What is really behind Japan’s planned cabinet shake-up?

What is really behind Japan’s planned cabinet shake-up? With voters anxious over inflation, swapping cabinet faces offers a convenient distraction from economic pain Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi remains in a strong position despite a poll showing falling support for her administration, ahead of an expected cabinet reshuffle to bolster her coalition government. A new cabinet could help the government win over voters, reward ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers and win the support of junior coalition partner Ishin no Kai, analysts have said. Takaichi is expected to embark on such a move in mid- or late September, according to reports by Kyodo News and other Japanese media, citing government and ruling party sources. If confirmed, it would be Takaichi’s first cabinet reshuffle since taking office last October as she potentially eyes another term as LDP president in the 2027 party leadership election. The timing of the reshuffle is likely to be determined by her schedule in the coming weeks. The government plans to adopt a tax reform package, including a consumption tax cut for food in mid-September, while Takaichi is expected to attend a UN General Assembly session in the United States in late September. “A personnel reshuffle is likely after [the adoption of] the tax system reform package,” an LDP source reportedly said.