Japanese PM shakes up LDP leadership, shuffles cabinet

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shuffled his cabinet on Wednesday, after forming a new executive lineup of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

This is the first time the prime minister has shuffled key ministers in his tenure. The move came a month earlier than expected, with analysts initially predicting a cabinet shuffle in early September.

In the 19-member cabinet, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno remained in their posts.

Five former ministers were also on the list, such as Kato Katsunobu, who will become health minister for the third time. The remaining nine are first-timers.

LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi and LDP Vice President Taro Aso also retained their posts.

（CGTN）