Japanese PM prepares government reshuffle ahead of party election

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly preparing to reshuffle her cabinet and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as early as September in a bid to strengthen her position ahead of the 2027 LDP leadership election, Kyodo News reports, citing sources.

The report said particular attention is being paid to LDP Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki, who plays a key role in the party’s day-to-day management.

He is the brother-in-law of LDP Vice President Taro Aso, one of the party’s most influential figures, who played a key role in Takaichi’s election as party leader and prime minister in 2025.

His support will also be important in the 2027 election, but Kyodo noted that Takaichi has failed to build a relationship of trust with Suzuki.

The future roles of Takaichi’s rivals in last year’s LDP leadership race are also attracting attention.

They include Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Yoshimasa Hayashi and LDP Policy Research Council Chairman Takayuki Kobayashi.

They could pose strong competition to Takaichi next year.

Kyodo cited an LDP source as saying it would be advantageous for Takaichi to keep her rivals in prominent positions in the cabinet and party, potentially limiting their ability to challenge her.

Kyodo suggested that Takaichi would prefer to secure reelection in 2027 without facing a challenger. Polls show that support for her cabinet has recently declined, although it remains between 53% and 63%.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov