The small-scale reshuffle comes as Takaichi navigates rising inflation and a weak yen while pursuing a consumption tax cut on food starting next year.
While Takaichi’s tax cut pledge is popular among voters, economists have criticised the plan, warning that she has failed to identify around five trillion yen (US$32 billion) needed annually to fund it.
Takaichi’s policy of expansive government spending has also rattled the markets, pushing Japan’s benchmark bond yield to around 3.0 per cent, its highest level in three decades.
On defence, Koizumi remains tasked with updating Japan’s foundational national defence strategy documents alongside…
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