Japan’s Takaichi keeps key ministers in cabinet reshuffle

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi maintained her principal ministers in a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, aimed at reinforcing her ruling coalition and advancing a food tax cut despite fiscal concerns. The cabinet list, announced by her chief spokesman Minoru Kihara, retained key members such as finance minister Satsuki Katayama, foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi.

Takaichi, who enjoys high public approval ratings, retained these ministers despite warnings from economists about the need for an additional five trillion yen in annual funding for the tax cut. Koizumi highlighted the importance of revising Japan's defence strategy and urged the ministry to act swiftly. Hiroshi Nakatsuka, a member of the coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, was appointed minister for regulatory reform.

The reshuffle comes amid rising inflation, a weak yen, and attempts to secure funding for the proposed tax cuts while governing the country's security and regional stability.