Key ministers, LDP executives expected to keep positions

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to keep key figures like LDP Vice President Taro Aso and policy chief Takayuki Kobayashi in their roles during an upcoming Cabinet reshuffle to maintain stability ahead of the autumn parliamentary session. This approach aims to ensure experienced leadership oversees major legislative efforts, including a controversial bill to cut the food consumption tax, while limiting potential challenges to Takaichi’s party presidency.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to maintain continuity within her Cabinet and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership amid upcoming personnel changes anticipated next week, as the government prepares for the autumn parliamentary session. Following a party officials meeting on Tuesday morning, Takaichi secured authorization to proceed with party executive appointments as early as September 16, with a Cabinet reshuffle to follow. However, significant changes are unlikely, particularly among key party executives.

LDP Vice President Taro Aso, a prominent figure known for his influential role behind the scenes and whose support was pivotal for Takaichi’s election as party president last year, is expected to retain his position. Aso, turning 86 on September 20, continues to wield considerable influence in party affairs. Alongside him, LDP Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki—who is related to Aso by marriage—and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, a close ally of Takaichi, are also anticipated to remain in their current roles.

Takayuki Kobayashi, the party’s policy chief, is likely to hold his position or potentially be appointed to a Cabinet post. Kobayashi has been instrumental in advancing several contentious pieces of legislation, including revisions to the Imperial House Law, the introduction of a secondary capital concept, and laws penalizing acts of flag vandalism. Retaining Kobayashi as policy chief would position him to oversee the party’s legislative agenda this autumn, particularly focusing on a critical bill aiming to reduce the food consumption tax from 8 percent to 1 percent. This measure has raised concerns within the LDP regarding potential revenue shortfalls and the government’s strategy to offset the losses.

Should Kobayashi transition to a Cabinet role, it could affect his political future, making it more challenging to mount a leadership challenge against Takaichi in the upcoming party presidential election. Kobayashi contested the presidency last year and is considered a possible rival in the next contest.

Similarly, Shinjiro Koizumi is expected to continue as defense minister. Maintaining Koizumi, who also vied for the party presidency last year but was defeated in the runoff, provides Takaichi with an experienced figure in a key portfolio while potentially limiting Koizumi’s ability to challenge for party leadership.

Overall, the planned appointments reflect Takaichi’s preference for stability and experienced leadership as Japan navigates complex policy initiatives in the coming months.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.