Japanese Prime Minister Takaiiti Plans Cabinet Reshuffle in September
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to make personnel changes in the government and the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in mid- or late September. The Japan Times reported this, citing sources.
This could be the first Cabinet reshuffle since Takaichi took office in October. According to the publication, she aims to pave the way for her re-election as LDP president in the 2027 party leadership election.
The prime minister is expected to set the timing of personnel decisions based on the political calendar. In mid-September, the government plans to pass a tax reform package that includes a reduction in the consumption tax on food products. The Okinawa gubernatorial election, which the ruling coalition considers important, is scheduled for September 13. At the end of the month, Takai is expected to attend the UN General Assembly session in the United States.
A source within the LDP stated that personnel changes will likely take place after the tax reform package is adopted. According to the newspaper, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, a politician close to Takaichi, will most likely retain his position. An aide to the prime minister called him “irreplaceable.”
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Takaichi also plans to offer the Japan Innovation Party, a coalition partner of the LDP, a position in the Cabinet. Party leadership will be watching closely to see whether Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki remains in his post. Some observers speculate that Acting Secretary-General Koichi Haguiuda may take his place.
Suzuki is the brother-in-law of LDP Vice President Taro Aso, who heads the party’s sole remaining faction. Within the LDP, Aso’s support is considered crucial for Takai’s re-election as party president. Attention will also be focused on potential personnel decisions regarding Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Interior Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and LDP Policy Chief Takayaki Kobayashi, who competed against Takai in last year’s party leadership election.
The LDP has already sent questionnaires to members of the lower house of parliament asking about their preferred positions. The deadline for submitting responses has been set for Tuesday.
