Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Reshuffles Cabinet, Keeps Key Ministers Amid Falling Support

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reshuffled her Cabinet on Thursday, replacing 10 of 18 ministers while retaining key figures in defence, foreign affairs and finance as she seeks to revive waning public support and maintain policy continuity.

The reshuffle is Takaichi’s first since she became prime minister in October 2025 and comes after her initially strong popularity began to decline. Her government is facing pressure from US President Donald Trump over defence spending, investment in the United States and policies linked to Japan’s weak yen.

Takaichi retained Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, two important figures in managing Japan’s security policy and relations with Washington. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and Economy and Fiscal Policy Minister Minoru Kiuchi also kept their posts. Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa, who has handled US tariff and investment demands, was retained as well.

The prime minister also kept former premier Taro Aso as Liberal Democratic Party vice president, while other senior party figures retained influential positions.

Among the changes, Yoshimasa Hayashi was replaced as internal affairs minister by Hisayuki Fujii. Hiroshi Nakatsuka, from coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, joined the Cabinet as minister for administrative reform and children’s policies.

Security remains a major priority. Takaichi’s government plans to revise Japan’s defence and security strategies by year-end, with greater emphasis on artificial intelligence and combat drones. Defence spending has reached 2 per cent of GDP, with further increases planned.

On the economic front, Takaichi has backed a proposal to cut the consumption tax on food from 8 per cent to 1 per cent for two years, alongside household payments. The proposal has raised concerns over funding and Japan’s already strained public finances.

Takaichi is also seeking to manage tensions with China following her earlier comments on a possible Japanese response to a Taiwan contingency. She is expected to attend the UN General Assembly later this month and is seeking a meeting with Trump before his planned September 24 talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.