The government changes previously planned by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are scheduled to take place on September 17.

Operativ Media reports, citing the Kyodo news agency. According to the report, changes will also be made to the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Takaichi, one day prior.

According to the latest reports, Toshiharu Furukawa is expected to secure a government post for the first time. Within the LDP, the position of chairman of the parliamentary affairs committee could be entrusted to Hideki Murai.

Most of the current key officials are expected to retain their posts. Among them is LDP Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki, who plays a crucial role in the practical management of the party's operations.

Shunichi Suzuki is the brother-in-law of Taro Aso, an influential politician among the Liberal Democrats. Taro Aso actively supported Takaichi's election as party leader and prime minister in 2025. It is noted that his support remains important for Takaichi in the 2027 elections.

According to earlier reports, Takaichi intends to keep those who were her rivals in the previous 2025 election in high-ranking positions. These include Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Yoshimasa Hayashi, and the head of the LDP Policy Research Council, Takayuki Kobayashi.

It is reported that these individuals could also pose a serious challenge to the current prime minister in 2027. However, keeping rivals in high-ranking party and government positions is believed to potentially limit their room for maneuver, ultimately paving the way for Takaichi's uncontested re-election in 2027.