Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Reshuffles Cabinet, Keeps Key Ministers
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reshuffled her Cabinet while retaining key foreign, defence, finance and economic ministers amid pressure over policy and public support.
Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reshuffled her Cabinet on September 17, retaining several key ministers as her government prepares for a demanding parliamentary session and continued pressure over defence, trade and economic policy. The reshuffle replaced 10 of the 18 ministers while keeping major figures in foreign affairs, defence and finance.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and Economy Minister Minoru Kiuchi retained their positions. Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa was also kept in place, maintaining continuity in Japan’s negotiations and economic relationship with the United States.
The changes included the removal of Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, who had competed against Takaichi in the previous LDP leadership election. Hiroshi Nakatsuka of the coalition partner Japan Innovation Party became the first Cabinet member from the party since its partnership with the LDP began.
The government is facing pressure over rising defence spending, economic stimulus measures and the weak yen. Takaichi’s administration is also working on revisions to Japan’s security strategy, including greater attention to technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones.
The government’s planned reduction of the food consumption tax has added to debate over Japan’s already strained public finances. Takaichi is also expected to attend the UN General Assembly later this month and is seeking talks with US President Donald Trump.
