Takaichi plans cabinet reshuffle, party posts for mid-September

Prime Minister Takaichi is coordinating a cabinet reshuffle and ruling party executive appointments for mid-September, aiming to maintain the current government framework. Key figures including Deputy Prime Minister Aso and Secretary-General Suzuki are expected to retain their posts, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara also likely to stay. The appointments are strategically focused on securing support for the party leadership election in September next year. The Japan Innovation Party is expected to join the cabinet, with former leader Baba as a possible candidate. The upcoming Diet session will prioritize consumption tax cuts, though the government faces challenges over parliamentary seat reductions and potential opposition from all parties.