Takaichi to keep core cabinet, eyeing stability before party election

Prime Minister Takaichi is finalizing plans for a cabinet reshuffle and ruling party executive appointments in 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 Prime Minister is prioritizing a stable base ahead of next year's party leadership election. The reshuffle may include a cabinet post for a member of coalition partner Nippon Ishin, with former leader Baba a possible candidate. The upcoming Diet session will focus on consumption tax cuts and electoral district reductions.