Japanese Prime Minister conducts cabinet reshuffle, retains key ministers

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi carried out a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, retaining several key ministers to ensure continuity of governance while appointing a new figure from her coalition partner.

According to Japan’s Kyodo News agency, this was Takaichi’s first cabinet reshuffle since assuming power last year. She retained the positions of Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Finance Minister Satoko Kato, Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and Minister for Economic and Fiscal Policy Minoru Kihara.

Hiroshi Nakatsuka, former secretary-general of the Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), was appointed Minister for Regulatory Reform, while Hisayuki Fujii was named Minister of Internal Affairs.

Prior to the cabinet reshuffle, the prime minister also adjusted leadership positions within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), keeping key figures in place, including former Prime Minister Taro Aso as deputy party president and Shunichi Suzuki as secretary-general.

Following the cabinet changes, the Takaichi government and the LDP are preparing to convene an extraordinary session of parliament to discuss a plan to reduce the consumption tax on food and beverages from 8% to 1% for two years.