Kishida Announces Ldp Leadership, Cabinet Shakeup
Japan's political top brass are set for a major shakeup on Wednesday. Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has named the new leadership of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party -- and later in the day, he will reshuffle his Cabinet.
At the LDP, Aso Taro will remain as vice president and Motegi Toshimitsu will retain the key post of secretary general.
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Hagiuda Koichi has become chairperson of the Policy Research Council.
Kishida will announce his new 19-member Cabinet in the afternoon.
Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, Finance Minister Suzuki Shunichi and three others will remain in their posts.
The lineup also includes five former ministers, such as Kato Katsunobu, who will become health minister for the third time, and Hamada Yasukazu, who will return as defense minister. The remaining nine are first-timers.
Kishida's new cabinet will be ceremonially endorsed by Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace.
The prime minister will speak to reporters later on Wednesday.