JIP likely to get first Cabinet post in upcoming reshuffle

The Japan Innovation Party (JIP) is likely to be given its first ministerial post when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reshuffles the Cabinet next week, a move that would give it more power within the administration but could create friction with Liberal Democratic Party members who prefer to keep the junior ruling coalition partner at arm’s length. The prime minister is expected to give one Cabinet post to the JIP, possibly either the position of minister of internal affairs and communications or minister for regulatory reform in the Cabinet Office. Three senior JIP members — former leader Nobuyuki Baba, current co-leader Fumitake Fujita and Secretary-General Hiroshi Nakatsuka — are the likely candidates.