Takaichi keeps key ministers
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi maintained key ministers in a cabinet reshuffle aimed at gaining political backing for her spending plans, despite financial markets showing signs of unease. Takaichi retained Satsuki Katayama as finance minister, a decision that ensures stability in Japan's exchange-rate policy. Katayama was instrumental in negotiations with United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over a unique joint US-Japan yen intervention in July, highlighting the strong collaboration between the two nations.
However, Takaichi's commitment to her ambitious spending plans is evident in her decision to keep Minoru Kiuchi as economy minister, signaling her intention to proceed with her reflationist policies. The reshuffle did not alter the positions of other significant ministers, including Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, both of whom are also seen as Takaichi's competitors within the ruling party.
To bolster her cabinet, Takaichi appointed Hiroshi Nakatsuka from the Japan Innovation Party as the minister responsible for deregulation. The new cabinet lineup was revealed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, who also retained his position.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
