Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced a major cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, appointing new foreign and defense ministers.
Yoko Kamikawa, a former justice minister, will become the new foreign minister. She is the first woman to hold this position since 2004. Minoru Kihara, who served as a national security adviser to former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, will become the new defense minister.
Other changes to the cabinet include:
Yoshitaka Shindo, a ruling party lawmaker, will become economy minister.
Keizo Takemi, a former senior vice minister, will become minister of health, labor and welfare.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno will stay on in his current role.
The cabinet reshuffle is seen as an attempt by Kishida to boost his sagging popularity. Recent opinion polls show that he is scoring lower approval than disapproval ratings.
The appointment of Kamikawa as foreign minister is a significant move, as it is the first time a woman has held this position in over 18 years. Kamikawa is a former prosecutor and justice minister, and she is known for her tough stance on crime. She is also a strong supporter of human rights and democracy.
The appointment of Kihara as defense minister is also significant, as he is a hawkish figure who is seen as being close to the United States. Kihara is a former parliamentary secretary of defense, and he has been critical of China's military buildup in the region.
The cabinet reshuffle is likely to be met with mixed reactions. Some will welcome the appointment of more women to the cabinet, while others may be concerned about the hawkish stance of some of the new ministers. It remains to be seen how the new cabinet will perform, but it is clear that Kishida is trying to make a change after a difficult few months in office.
In addition to the changes to the cabinet, Kishida also announced a number of new policies, including a plan to increase defense spending and a commitment to work with the United States to counter China's growing influence in the region. These policies are likely to be met with resistance from some quarters, but they are a sign that Kishida is willing to take a more assertive approach to foreign policy.
The cabinet reshuffle and the new policies announced by Kishida are a significant development in Japanese politics. It remains to be seen how they will play out, but they are a sign that Kishida is trying to chart a new course for Japan.