- 14 Mar 2002
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Last Tuesday, PM Kishida appointed his son Shotaro as an executive secretary to the prime minister (himself), triggering a backlash that might further shake his stricken administration. Although it is common in Japan to appoint relatives to key positions to create and perpetuate political dynasties, Kishida's decision to nominate his son, who had briefly worked at Mitsui trading house and became his private secretary in 2020, has been criticised as nepotism.
Perhaps a sign that "the olden ways" are no longer accepted. It's still puzzling to see how out of touch with reality and the electorate's sensitivities Japan's silver-spoon-fed politicians seem.
Perhaps a sign that "the olden ways" are no longer accepted. It's still puzzling to see how out of touch with reality and the electorate's sensitivities Japan's silver-spoon-fed politicians seem.
The premier answered the question by saying the appointment was "comprehensively" determined based on the idea of "putting the right person in the right place," prompting heckling in the House of Representatives chamber.
A close aide to Kishida also said the appointment was "appropriate" in consideration of his son's "character and ability," adding that it is "discriminatory to criticize him just because he is the eldest son."
An LDP lawmaker said Kishida "loves his son too much." Another lawmaker of Komeito, the LDP's coalition partner, said the prime minister "has not heard the voices of the public."
Kishida's apparent nepotism may shake cabinet further
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been facing another setback as he gave a key government post to his oldest son in his early 30s, with the opposition bloc lambasting the appointment as nepotism. The Kishida administration has already been shaken by several controversies, such as his...
japantoday.com
Nepotism claims are latest setback for embattled Kishida
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's decision to hand a key government post to his oldest son has prompted outrage from the opposition and raised eyebrows even in his own party.
www.japantimes.co.jp