Prime Minister Takaichi's approval ratings drop; considering cabinet shake-up

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly preparing for a cabinet and party reshuffle as an extraordinary parliamentary session approaches. Her approval ratings have fallen from the 60% range to the 40% range since taking office. The anticipated personnel changes aim to inject momentum into her administration as she approaches her one-year anniversary in October.

A central point of focus is the potential replacement of party Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki. Takaichi secured her party leadership with the crucial support of Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso and his faction. Suzuki, Aso's brother-in-law and a close confidant, was appointed to the powerful secretary-general position shortly after Takaichi's election.

However, concerns have been raised about communication issues between Prime Minister Takaichi and Secretary-General Suzuki. Notably, Suzuki was reportedly not consulted before Takaichi's decision to dissolve the House of Representatives in January. This has led to internal discussions about potentially appointing Koichi Hagiuda, a former executive of the Abe faction, to a key party or parliamentary role.

Any decision by Takaichi to replace Suzuki could strain her relationship with Aso, who is considered a key "kingmaker." The prime minister's choices for future leadership positions, including Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and others who competed against her in the last party leadership election, are also drawing attention. The possibility of new appointments from the LDP's coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, is also being watched.