Key Facts
• October 21, 2025: Sanae Takaichi’s new cabinet officially launched.
• Only 2 female ministers appointed, despite expectations of 5-6.
• Takaichi defeated Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff vote (149-145 votes).
• Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ally, Ryosei Akazawa, appointed as Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism post filled by Yasushi Kaneko, marking the first Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) appointment in 16 years.
• Hitoshi Kikawada, a close Takaichi ally, assigned 9 roles as Minister of State for Special Missions.
• Kikawada dubbed the “Minister of Building No. 8” due to his extensive responsibilities.
• Takaichi allocated 3 cabinet posts to Japan Innovation Party but shifted to external cooperation.
• Internal LDP dynamics influenced appointments, reflecting efforts to balance factions.
• Speculation surrounds Takaichi’s concessions to former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s allies.
Summary
Sanae Takaichi’s new cabinet, launched on October 21, 2025, reflects efforts to achieve party unity amid internal Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) dynamics. Despite initial expectations of appointing 5-6 female ministers, only two were selected. Takaichi’s narrow victory over Shinjiro Koizumi (149-145 votes) highlighted the divided support within the party. Key appointments include Ryosei Akazawa, an ally of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, and Yasushi Kaneko as Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, marking the first LDP appointment to this role in 16 years. Hitoshi Kikawada, a close ally of Takaichi, was assigned nine roles, earning the nickname “Minister of Building No. 8.” The cabinet also reflects concessions to allies of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, signaling Takaichi’s strategic compromises to foster unity. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of these efforts in achieving true party cohesion.
