As a beginning language I think both Python and Java are equally fine, I honestly don't think Python is easier than Java. Both are great choices to learn programming. Python is a richer language, so there are more concepts to learn perhaps but it's precisely those things I miss when working in Java (although the latest Java and future versions are improving that situation), you won't miss them at all as a beginner though.

For making games they both have a solid set of frameworks available for the Desktop but Java wins out when it comes to web and mobile platforms.

Neither language really prepares you for C++, while Java is cosmetically more similar looking in appearance it's just a totally different experience. Java and Python are similar enough even though they look quite different, while C++ is something unto itself. Nothing about C++ should influence a decision about whether to choose a Python or Java.

In the long run you'll learn both, I've no doubt. It doesn't matter which you start with, both are fine choices.