PM Takaichi to carry out first cabinet reshuffle and party executive appointments in mid-to-late September; Kihara to stay on as Chief Cabinet Secretary, solidifying setup ahead of leadership race

PM Takaichi to conduct first cabinet reshuffle in mid-to-late September; Kihara likely to remain as Chief Cabinet Secretary This will be the first personnel change since the government took office in October last year, and is aimed at solidifying the setup with an eye toward winning re-election in next autumn's party presidential election. The Liberal Democratic Party has already distributed a survey to its Lower House members asking about desired posts, and the government will make a final decision on timing based on the mid-September decision on the tax reform outline, the Okinawa gubernatorial election, and attendance at the U.N. General Assembly. 1234

Russia conducts missile exercises near Northern Territories; Foreign Minister Motegi says 'unacceptable' Russia's Pacific Fleet announced it conducted training using Bastion anti-ship missiles deployed on Etorofu Island and hit targets more than 300 kilometers away. Following President Putin's visit to Etorofu, this is a display of control, and the Japanese government protested to Moscow. Foreign Minister Motegi stressed, 'We cannot accept the strengthening of military capabilities on the Northern Four Islands.' 56

One week after Chiba heavy rain, PM announces early delivery of 8.7 billion yen in allocation tax grants At a meeting of relevant ministers on the 21st, Prime Minister Takaichi announced the early delivery of approximately 8.7 billion yen in ordinary allocation tax grants to affected municipalities. Governor Kumagai and Chiba Mayor Kamiya inspected a temporary storage site for disaster-damaged vehicles and confirmed stronger cooperation with the national government on identifying owners and bearing removal costs. Housing damage has reached about 3,700 buildings. 78

Debate over revising 'not permitting entry' pillar of three non-nuclear principles; expert panel split Ahead of the year-end revision of the three security-related documents, debate has intensified because Prime Minister Takaichi has not clearly stated whether the 'not permitting entry' principle will be maintained in the future. Atsuko Higashino, a professor at the University of Tsukuba and member of the expert panel, said no revision is needed, while Nobukatsu Kanehara, former assistant chief cabinet secretary, proposed changing it to 'not permitting them to be fired in' for the purpose of deterring China. 9

Clouds over three-party merger: Chuto's Ogawa says 'cannot be optimistic'; CDP cites cautious local opinions The merger talks among the Chuto Reform Union, the Constitutional Democratic Party, and Komeito are struggling as the end-of-August deadline approaches. CDP leader Mizuoka explained at a meeting with executives of Rengo-affiliated labor unions that 'there were many harsh opinions from local chapters,' and the party is expected to finalize its policy at a meeting of all its lawmakers on the 28th. 10

Tobu limited express accident kills 4; train may have entered station at 50 km/h; investigation on suspicion of professional negligence In the accident in which the limited express Spacia X2 struck and killed four workers doing weeding work at Shin-Kanuma Station in Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture, it has been found that the train entered the station at about 50 km/h. With the lookouts unable to communicate with each other, the prefectural police are investigating on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death. 11

Former insurance investigator admits to serial arson and insurance fraud; first hearing at Okayama District Court In a case in which a former insurance investigator allegedly set fire to old private houses and vacant buildings in four prefectures across the country and defrauded insurers of about 128 million yen in insurance payouts, defendant Yosuke Fukamachi has admitted to the charges. The prosecution claims he was approached by a ringleader while struggling with unpaid taxes. The next hearing is scheduled for September 3. 12

North Korea's criticism of Japan surges; Kim Yo-jong threatens Japan's defense buildup Since June, North Korea has issued 19 commentaries and statements criticizing Japan through the Korean Central News Agency, about twice as many as in the previous three months. Kim Yo-jong has referred to Japan's defense buildup and threatened that 'the perception that Japan is a military target is strengthening,' prompting the Japanese government to step up vigilance. 13

Two touts arrested on suspicion of assaulting university student and causing serious injuries in Atsugi, Kanagawa In May, Kanagawa Prefectural Police arrested two men, aged 22, on suspicion of punching the face and kicking the stomach of a third-year university student who had turned them down by saying 'not interested' while they were touting for customers in the entertainment district in front of Hon-Atsugi Station, causing serious injuries. Both have admitted to the allegations. 14