Takaichi to Retain Finance Minister Katayama for Continuity in Fall Diet Session

Prime Minister Takaichi is arranging to retain Finance Minister Katayama in her September cabinet reshuffle, prioritizing continuity ahead of the autumn Diet session. Multiple government sources indicate the reshuffle could occur as early as next week. The fall extraordinary Diet session, likely convened in early October, will deliberate the consumption tax reduction bill, a top legislative priority. Katayama's ongoing talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent on monetary policy also support his retention. Takaichi has already decided to keep Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara, LDP Vice President Aso, and Secretary-General Suzuki in their posts, maintaining the core structure of her administration.