Takaichi Set for Cabinet Shake-Up This September

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is gearing up for a significant Cabinet and executive lineup reshuffle within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in mid-to-late September, according to sources familiar with the matter. This will mark Takaichi's first reshuffle since taking office in October of last year.

The timing of the reshuffle will hinge on political events, particularly the adoption of a tax reform package aimed at cutting consumption tax on food, which is slated for mid-September. Additionally, the crucial Okinawa gubernatorial election is scheduled for September 13, a key moment for the ruling party.

In this anticipated reshuffle, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara is likely to keep his position, being a trusted ally of Takaichi. Speculation also surrounds the future of Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki, who may be replaced by Koichi Hagiuda. The political landscape is further complicated by the aspirations of figures like internal affairs minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, who might look to run in the next party leadership election.

Source: www.japantimes.co.jp