Key ministers, LDP leaders expected to keep positions amid personnel changes

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seems to be prioritizing continuity and stability as she prepares to address the Autumn Session of Parliament. The Japanese cabinet and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership are expected to retain key members when personnel changes are announced next week.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, and Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama are likely to keep their positions. LDP Vice President Taro Aso, the influential figure who played a crucial role in Takaichi's recent presidential victory, is also expected to maintain his role.

Aso's wife's brother, LDP Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, a close ally of Takaichi, are also anticipated to remain in their current roles. LDP policy chief Takayuki Kobayashi may either stay in his position or potentially receive a Cabinet appointment. As policy chief, Kobayashi had a significant role in passing several controversial legislations during Takaichi's tenure.

Kobayashi's continued position could potentially limit his ability to challenge Takaichi in the upcoming presidential election, considering he had faced her in last year's contest. Additionally, his experience in policy-making would be valuable for tackling the food consumption tax reduction bill, a key issue that has raised concerns among LDP members regarding the administration's financial planning.

Koizumi may retain the Defense Minister position to have an experienced hand at the helm and to prevent the potential rivalry for the presidency, as he lost to Takaichi in the last run-off. Other key LDP members who might be part of a possible reshuffle include Minister of Internal Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi, a former rival of Takaichi, and Koichi Hagiuda, a powerful senior LDP executive who faced a slush fund scandal and received a one-year suspension in 2024.

While Hagiuda is on good terms with Takaichi, there are concerns within the LDP that appointing him to a Cabinet position could result in public backlash and potentially harm the party's image.