Japan's Takaichi keeps key ministers in cabinet reshuffle

Tokyo - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi maintained her key ministers in a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, aimed at strengthening the ruling coalition and advancing a food tax cut. Takaichi, who enjoys high approval ratings, kept prominent members of her team, including finance minister Satsuki Katayama, foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi.

The reshuffle also retained economic ministers Ryosei Akazawa and Minoru Kiuchi, who have been instrumental in tariff negotiations and fiscal spending. The small-scale change comes as Takaichi addresses rising inflation, a weak yen, and a pledge for a consumption tax cut on food starting next year, a plan criticized for the lack of identified funding.

Defence minister Koizumi emphasized the importance of updating Japan's national defence strategy and expanding defence spending. Takaichi also appointed Hiroshi Nakatsuka, a member of the LDP's coalition partner, to oversee regulatory reform.