The prime minister named Shotaro, 31, as the new executive secretary, a key position in his government team. The move follows a widespread practice in Tokyo palaces, but has reignited accusations of nepotism precisely at a time when Kishida’s popularity is at an all-time low.
Tokyo () – Shotaro is a 31-year-old. He is the oldest of three brothers and studied Law at Keio University, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Tokyo. As soon as he finished his studies, he was hired by one of the most important companies in the country, one of those that marked the economic history of post-war Japan, Mitsui & Co. There is no doubt that Shotaro has been lucky compared to many of his peers , but it also has an additional advantage. Shotaro is the eldest son of the prime minister.
A few days ago, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida presented his son as new executive secretary, which sparked a great controversy. Since 2020, Shotaro had been working in his father’s parliamentary office, where he worked as an assistant in the personnel area. Finally, last week, he made the leap and entered the prime minister’s office. The position of executive secretary is especially important because will allow him to follow his father practically everywhereand will even participate in meetings with foreign leaders and in political negotiations behind closed doors.
For this reason, the Japanese media speculates about Fumio Kishida’s attempt to make his firstborn son his heir. Tokyo politics is by no means new in terms of nepotistic dynamics, which are in fact widespread in the LDP. Most of Japan’s top politicians belong to one of its dynasties.
As reported KyodoNews, the appointment did not entirely surprise the veterans of the party. Former Minister Onodera, who belongs to the same faction as Kishida, said that he had a feeling that Shotaro’s rise as successor was already up in the air a year ago, after Fumio Kishida became prime minister.
At the time of the appointment, the Chief Cabinet Secretary told a press conference that the decision was made based on personality and qualifications of Shotaro, and with the idea of ”putting the right person in the right place”. But it is clear that this was not enough to silence the critics.
During a parliamentary session, opposition representatives attacked the prime minister over the appointment. The head of the People’s Democratic Party criticized the prime minister for his favoritism towards members of his own family, while the Constitutional Democratic Party called the appointment too quick and disturbing.
The reality is that the promotion was also not welcomed in the ruling coalition, blaming Kishida for not listening to public opinion. Indeed, the appointment comes at an awkward time for the government, whose approval rating has plummeted in the polls in recent months. The popularity index went from 60% in July to almost 30% today. The government’s image was particularly affected by the issue of PLD relations with the Unification Church and the controversial state funeral for former Prime Minister Abe. With Shotaro’s appointment, the government risks becoming the target of further criticism, which would increase its unpopularity with voters.
