Furious Japanese officials were forced to edit an official government photo because of the ‘scruffy’ looking ministers.
The photos were released by the Japanese government to commemorate the first meeting of the new cabinet.
The photos show Japan’s newly installed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba standing shoulder to shoulder with his colleagues as he unveiled the ministers he has chosen to govern Japan.
With just weeks before the country goes to the polls, the new government does not have long to introduce itself.
However, during their crucial first taste of the country, a minor wardrobe malfunction has led to online ridicule among the Japanese public after official photos were hastily edited.
The photos were released by the Japanese government to commemorate the first cabinet meeting. In the photo you can see Japan’s recently installed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba standing shoulder to shoulder with his ministers, but with a minor wardrobe malfunction
After the photos were mocked online, with Japanese social media users calling the photo ‘completely embarrassing’, a spokesperson today finally admitted that ‘minor edits’ had been made
The original, unedited images, which appeared in local media publications, show small pieces of white shirts peeking out from under the suits of the prime minister and Japan’s defense minister.
In the official images of the Prime Minister of Japan, the white shirts are mysteriously absent.
After the photos were mocked online, with Japanese social media users calling the photo “completely embarrassing,” a spokesperson today finally admitted that “minor edits” had been made.
Reported in words by BBC newsSpokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said the photos had been manipulated because they “will be preserved forever as memorabilia.”
Mr Hayashi said: ‘These photos usually undergo minor editing.’
The spokesperson’s comments sparked ridicule online.
A user of It’s downright embarrassing.’
Another said it was clear ministers were wearing “ill-fitting” suits that were not the right size.
Prime Minister Ishiba was the surprise winner in the leadership election for Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. He defeated Sanae Takaichi, who, had she won, would have become Japan’s first female prime minister.
In the original, unedited images, which appeared in local media publications, small pieces of white shirts can be seen peeking out from under the suits of the prime minister (right) and Japan’s defense minister (left).
When Ishiba topped the leadership race in September, he announced plans for early elections on September 27.
He said at the time: ‘It is important that the new government is judged by the people as soon as possible.’
In the elections, Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party will try to secure a new term in office. The party has been in power almost continuously for the past 68 years. This apart from brief periods of opposition in the 1990s and 2000s.
Opinion polls for the upcoming elections show that the party is on track to remain in power for another four years.