Following internet rumors that an official photo of Japan's new cabinet had been altered to make members appear less disheveled, Japan's government has acknowledged that the photo was altered.
Local media captured photos of the incoming prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, and his minister of defense, revealing little white shirt patches beneath their suits.
But in the official photo issued by the prime minister's office on Thursday, the untidiness had disappeared.
After plenty of online mockery, a government spokesperson on Monday said "minor editing was made" to the image.
Spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters the image had been manipulated as group photos taken by the prime minister's office "will be preserved forever as memorabilia".
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