Japan’s government has admitted that an official photo of the new cabinet was doctored to make cabinet members look less unkempt, following online speculation that the photo had been edited.
Photos taken by local media showed new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Defense Minister showing small patches of white shirts underneath their suits.
But in Official photo released by the Prime Minister’s Office On Thursday, the clutter disappeared.
After being heavily ridiculed online, a government spokesman said on Monday that the image had been “slightly edited”.
Spokesperson Lin Ji Zheng told reporters that the photo was manipulated because the group photo taken by the Prime Minister’s Office “will be kept as a souvenir forever.”
He added that “there are often subtle edits to these photos.”
His comments came after a flurry of ridicule on social media.
One user wrote on
Another user said it was clear the cabinet members were wearing suits that were the wrong size.
According to local media reports, other users have been saying the cabinet “doesn’t fit” their pants.
The photo was taken on Thursday after the first meeting of Japan’s new cabinet.
A few days ago, 67-year-old Shigeru Ishiba succeeded outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as leader of the country’s ruling party.
He was officially named prime minister on Tuesday.
Ishiba has announced plans to hold snap elections on October 27.
“It is very important for the new government to accept the judgment of the people as soon as possible,” he told a news conference in Tokyo, according to Reuters.
The election, which will be held more than a year before its scheduled date, will decide which party controls the lower house of parliament.
