Japan's Prime Minister Kishida decides to dismiss justice minister

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has decided to dismiss Justice Minister Hanashi Yasuhiro, who has been under fire for controversial remarks. Kishida conveyed his decision to senior officials of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Hanashi said on Wednesday that he has a low-profile job that makes headlines only when he authorizes executions. He made the remark at a gathering of LDP lawmakers of the Kishida faction.

The remark drew a slew of criticism, prompting him to apologize and retract it on Thursday at an Upper House Judicial Affairs Committee session. He said he was sorry if his words gave the impression he was making light of his duties.

The criticism began right after Wednesday's remark. The opposition camp said it was an extremely inappropriate comment and that Hanashi is unqualified to be justice minister. Some ruling party members also criticized the comment, calling it very unpleasant.

Kishida earlier declined to replace Hanashi despite the opposition's demand. The prime minister said on Thursday that he wanted Hanashi to feel the graveness of his duties and account for what he said.

Kishida also refused to dismiss Hanashi when urged to do so by opposition lawmakers at a Diet session on Friday morning.

But later on Friday, Kishida decided to dismiss him.

Hanashi started his career at the National Police Agency before going into politics. He was elected to the Lower House six times, from Ibaraki Prefecture.

He assumed his first Cabinet post as justice minister in August. He has been engaging in measures to provide consultations to people who have been financially exploited by the former Unification Church.

Hanashi's removal follows the resignation of Yamagiwa Daishiro, who was criticized over his links to the religious group, as economic revitalization minister last month. The dismissal is seen as a blow to Kishida's Cabinet.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221111_23/