Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is set to announce a significant Cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday evening, following the earlier appointment of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) executives earlier in the day. This move reflects Kishida's commitment to maintaining the framework of his administration, with the retention of key figures such as Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu and Finance Minister Suzuki Shunichi, NHK reports.
The revamped Cabinet lineup will introduce several newcomers, with 11 first-time Cabinet members, alongside six individuals retaining their positions and two who have previously served in Cabinets. Notable figures expected to continue in their roles include Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi, Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro, Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae, and Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Saito Tetsuo of Komeito.
This reshuffle also aims to increase female representation, with five women joining the Cabinet—a number on par with Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's 2014 Cabinet. Among them, Kamikawa Yoko will take on the role of foreign minister, Kato Ayuko will oversee policies related to children, Tsuchiya Shinako will serve as reconstruction minister, and Jimi Hanako will be responsible for regional revitalization.
Additionally, Suzuki Junji is expected to be named as internal affairs and communications minister, Kihara Minoru as defense minister, and Moriyama Masahito as education, culture, sports, science, and technology minister. Koizumi Ryuji is set to become justice minister, Miyashita Ichiro will oversee agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and Ito Shintaro will assume the role of environment minister.
Upper House members Takemi Keizo will take on the position of health, labor, and welfare minister, while Matsumura Yoshifumi will become the National Public Safety Commission chairperson.
Prior to the Cabinet reshuffle, Kishida made crucial appointments within the LDP leadership, retaining key figures like Vice President Aso Taro, Secretary General Motegi Toshimitsu, Policy Research Council Chairperson Hagiuda Koichi, and Diet Affairs Committee Chairperson Takagi Tsuyoshi in their current roles.
Kishida also appointed Moriyama Hiroshi, former Election Strategy Committee chairperson, as the General Council chairperson. Additionally, Obuchi Yuko, former head of the Party Organization and Campaign Headquarters, assumed Moriyama's former post.
The official inauguration of the reshuffled Cabinet is anticipated to take place on September 13 evening following an attestation ceremony at the Imperial Palace. Ahead of this, Kishida is scheduled to meet with Komeito Chief Representative Yamaguchi Natsuo and establish a Cabinet formation headquarters at the prime minister's office to oversee the reshuffle.
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