Jiji Press gives stern warning to their photographer for saying “I’ll lower your approval rating” at LDP President Takaichi press conference

On Oct. 9, Jiji Press confirmed that the remark about lowering Takaichi's approval rating was made by their male photographer.

The remark was made while the photographer was waiting for an interview with President Takaichi at the LDP headquarters among with press members from other companies. Jiji Press photographer said in casual conversation, "I'm going to lower your approval rating," and "I'll only release photos that will lower your approval rating." The audio, recorded during a live online broadcast, went viral on social media. Other comments have also been made on social media, but Jiji Press has denied that they were made by the photographer.

The company's director and editor-in-chief, Fujino Kiyomitsu, issued a stern warning to the male cameraman, saying that although the remark was made in casual conversation, it had the effect of raising doubts about the fairness and neutrality of the news coverage.

Jiji Press's Director of the President's Office, Saito Dai, said: "We apologize for the discomfort and inconvenience caused to the Liberal Democratic Party and other related parties. We will thoroughly instruct our employees to ensure that our neutrality and fairness as a news organization are never called into question.