Japan’s incoming prime minister and newly elected Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president, Sanae Takaichi, plans to appoint Toshimitsu Motegi as foreign minister to lead Japan’s trade discussions with the United States. Motegi, a seasoned diplomat and former foreign minister, previously concluded trade negotiations with Washington during the Trump administration.
Takaichi, set to become Japan’s first female prime minister following the upcoming Diet session on October 15, is also expected to name former defense minister Minoru Kihara as chief Cabinet secretary. Her new administration aims to balance experience and party unity, with several rivals from the recent LDP leadership race likely to receive key Cabinet roles.
In a strategic move to strengthen her leadership within the party, Takaichi plans to appoint former Prime Minister Taro Aso as LDP vice president and Shunichi Suzuki as secretary-general. She also intends to promote female lawmakers to two of the party’s top four posts, reflecting her pledge to enhance gender representation in politics.