Takaichi to forgo foreign trips this summer following Kumamoto quake

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has decided not to travel abroad this summer, with the exception of a potential visit to New York for a United Nations General Assembly session in late September, according to informed sources. The Japanese leader is prioritizing the response to a devastating earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture last month.

Prime ministers typically travel overseas between July and September, a period that usually coincides with the break in between Diet sessions. In previous years, former prime ministers Fumio Kishida and Shigeru Ishiba traveled to the United States, Germany, and South Korea during this time. However, this year, a special session of parliament has been convened in lieu of the regular session, as a Lower House election was held in February.

The special session concluded on July 25, including an eight-day extension. The Kumamoto earthquake occurred three days later, leading to Takaichi's decision not to travel abroad this summer, as confirmed by multiple government officials. Upon convening on Monday, the government's disaster response headquarters instructed the prime minister to advance necessary relief measures proactively.

Beyond earthquake response, Takaichi's administration plans to introduce a tax system reform package next month, aiming to reduce the consumption tax rate on food. Furthermore, Takaichi is contemplating a Cabinet reshuffle and the leadership team of her ruling Liberal Democratic Party in September.