Personnel changes will be made in the leadership of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on September 16, and in the cabinet on September 17.

Operativ Media reports that LDP Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki announced this at a press conference.

According to him, the changes aim to implement government policies more effectively.

Many members of the current LDP leadership, including Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki, are expected to retain their posts. Suzuki is the brother of the wife of Taro Aso, an influential figure among the Liberal Democrats. Aso actively supported the election of Sanae Takaichi as LDP president and prime minister in 2025.

Takaichi is reportedly planning to keep her rivals from the 2025 LDP leadership election in high-ranking positions. These include Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and the head of the LDP's political council, Takayuki Kobayashi.

According to reports, these individuals could also pose a serious challenge to Takaichi in 2027. Keeping them within the leadership structure is believed to potentially limit their room for maneuver and pave the way for Takaichi's uncontested reelection.

The future role of Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Yoshimasa Hayashi remains uncertain. He has repeatedly stated his intention to continue running for the LDP leadership.

According to the Kyodo news agency, the new cabinet may also include a representative from the Japan Innovation Party, a partner of the ruling LDP. The party's Secretary-General, Hiroshi Nakatsuke, could take one of the ministerial posts.