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Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday carried out a cabinet reshuffle in a bid to reverse her slumping support ratings, while trying to tackle pressure from the U.S. government to ramp up defense spending, revive trade and prop up the weak yen.
This is the first cabinet reshuffle by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in modern history last October. All four key ministers dealing with the United States — Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa — were retained by Takaichi.
Keeping her chief rivals within the party at the core of her diplomatic team is a calculated move to keep them in check while at the same time ensuring that Japanese foreign policy remains in experienced hands. Akazawa, who has been locked in negotiations with President Trump over tariffs and Japanese investment commitments, will also remain at his post.
Takaichi’s approval ratings, which once soared with the younger generation of Japanese voters drawn to her straight talk and leadership style, have recently plummeted. Many voters were let down by her push to limit the Imperial Throne to males, at a time when Japan is grappling with higher prices and inflation that demand bolder measures from its leaders.
Japan is under immense pressure from the Trump administration to increase defense spending and make bigger investments in the U.S. economy. Additionally, Tokyo is being urged to take measures to strengthen the weak yen, which is currently causing strains in bilateral trade relations. Takaichi’s decision to maintain cabinet continuity indicates she will be proceeding with her established approach to Washington rather than seeking a reset.
In a series of party leadership moves announced on Wednesday, Takaichi confirmed that LDP kingmaker and former PM Taro Aso will continue as vice president of the ruling party. She also brought her junior coalition partner into the Cabinet lineup. Analysts view the moves as an effort to consolidate her grip on the LDP ahead of what is expected to be a difficult fall session of parliament.
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