Japanese government admits modifying Cabinet photo

Japan’s new prime minister Ishiba Shigeru and his cabinet kicked off their second week of work.

The cabinet is already getting attention on social media.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimadsa said on October 7 that an official photo of the new cabinet was modified.

Photos taken by reporters showed Japan’s new prime minister Ishiba Shigeru with small patches of what appeared to be his skin showing under his suit.

The patch had disappeared in the official photo that was publicized by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa: I am aware that the photo in question was slightly edited. Photos like these that are taken at official events at the Prime Minister's Office, including group photos for the new cabinet, will be preserved forever as memorabilia. I am aware that minor modification has been applied to such photos in the past as well, not just this one.

A member of the British royal family, Catherine, Princess of Wales apologized earlier this year for an official photograph being edited.

Ishiba officially became Prime Minister of Japan on October 1.

He has announced plans for a snap election on October 27.