The Prime Minister dismisses his son, who is accused of misusing his position

Shotaro Kishida had invited relatives to the official residence for a party last year, with photos of some simulating a press conference and a guest lying on a red-carpeted staircase. The Japanese leader considered his son’s behavior “unsuitable for a political secretary.”

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Monday that he would dismiss his son as secretary for “improper behavior” at the official residence.

The move comes after a magazine reported last week that Shotaro Kishida had invited relatives to the prime minister’s official residence for last year’s party, with photos simulating a press conference and a guest reclining on a red-carpeted staircase.

“His behavior last year in the public space was inappropriate for a political secretary, and we decided to replace him,” Fumio Kishida told reporters, adding that the resignation would take place on June 1.

The son’s position has already been criticized in the past

Fumio Kishida had reprimanded his 32-year-old son, but opposition criticism mounted and calls for his resignation.

The prime minister had already come under fire for the stance of his son, who used official cars on trips to Europe to buy souvenirs for ministers.

Kishida has lost four ministers in three months due to allegations of financial irregularities or ties to the controversial Moon Sect, also known as the Unification Church.