Japan’s government faced backlash on Monday after admitting to manipulating an official photo of the new cabinet to make its members appear more put-together. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani were caught with sagging trousers in images taken by local media, prompting online mockery.
In the edited official photo released by Ishiba’s office, the blemishes were mysteriously removed, but not before social media users had a field day with the “untidy cabinet” scandal. One user even compared the photo to a group of seniors at a hot spring, calling it “utterly embarrassing.”
Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi defended the minor editing, stating that it is customary for group photos taken during official events to undergo such alterations before being preserved as memorabilia. However, the public outcry continued despite the explanation.
It remains to be seen how this scandal will affect the credibility of Japan’s new cabinet as they strive to lead the country amidst public scrutiny.
© 2024 AFP