Japan's PM Kishida Ditches Son as Aide after Party Scandal

On Monday, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his son, Shotaro Kishida, would resign as his aide.

It comes after pictures were released of the 32-year-old and other relatives and friends throwing a party at the prime minister's official residence, including some pictures of people standing on the podium where Kishida holds his press conferences.

Japanese investigative magazine Bunshun, which is notorious for its criticism of the ruling party, published the photos last week.

The gathering is believed to have taken place late last year.

Kishida told reporters that his son will step down as his secretary this week. He added that the move was a result of Shotaro Kishida's "inappropriate" behavior at his official residence.

"His behavior at a public space was inappropriate as someone who is in an official position as a political aide," Kishida noted. "I've decided to replace him for accountability."

"Of course, the responsibility lies with me. I take it seriously," Japanese news agency Kyodo quoted the prime minister as saying. "I want to fulfill my duties by addressing challenges that cannot be postponed and moving forward with determination."

Opposition politicians harshly criticized the images and young Kishida's behavior, as well as his father's decision to hire him in the first place.