Key Facts
• On October 30, PM Sanae Takaichi departed for South Korea for the APEC Summit.
• This marks her second international conference attendance since taking office.
• She previously attended the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia on October 25.
• Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato accompanied her, replacing Masanao Ozaki.
• Sato, a senator from Nara, is a known supporter of Takaichi.
• Sato has faced criticism for his involvement in a past political funding scandal.
• Opposition parties and some ruling party members have raised concerns over his appointment.
• Takaichi will stay in South Korea for three days, until November 1.
• The departure scene, featuring Sato standing upright beside Takaichi, drew public attention.
Summary
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi departed for South Korea on October 30 to attend the APEC Summit, marking her second international conference since taking office. She was accompanied by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato, who replaced Masanao Ozaki. Sato, a senator from Nara and a supporter of Takaichi, has faced criticism for his involvement in a political funding scandal. His appointment has sparked opposition from both rival parties and some within the ruling party. The departure scene, where Sato stood upright beside Takaichi, attracted public attention. Takaichi will remain in South Korea for three days, until November 1.
