Japan PM Kishida to replace cabinet spokesman over slush fund allegations

Facing record-low approval, resignation of aide deals Kishida fresh blow

Reporters ask Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan's chief cabinet secretary, center, questions about slush fund allegations on Dec. 8. © Kyodo

Nikkei staff writers

December 9, 2023 16:01 JST

TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided to replace Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, amid mounting pressure from the ruling and opposition parties for him to resign over allegations that he failed to report more than 10 million yen ($70,000) in income from events hosted by his party faction, several sources close to the government told Nikkei.