Japan's Takaichi eyes September cabinet shuffle to cement power base

PoliticsFocus is on fate of ruling party secretary-general, finance ministerTakaichi at a July meeting of the LDP leadership. Despite the prime minister's relatively high approval ratings, her political base in the party is fragile. (Photo by Ken Suzuki)RYUTO IMAOAugust 21, 2026 02:33 JSTTOKYO --Speculation is growing that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will carry out her first cabinet reshuffle in mid-to-late September as she tries to bolster her support base inside and outside the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.