Second-Tier LDP Nominations Suggest Kishida Seeks To Bolster His Position Within Party

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) announced some further adjustments to its executive line-up, replacing several second-tier officials in the wake of a wider shake-up implemented alongside the Cabinet reshuffle earlier this month.

• The LDP tapped Norihisa Tamura (recently joined the Kishida faction) to become acting chair of its Policy Research Council, while Akihiro Nishimura (Abe faction) will become acting chair of the Diet Affairs Committee.
• Furthermore, Prime Minister Kishida's closest ally Seiji Kihara is expected to become Acting Secretary General, supporting Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, while doubling as a special assistant to the chair of the Policy Research Council.
• The latest changes are intended to improve coordination between the Prime Minister's Office and party headquarters as well as maintain the right balance in the distribution of party positions among various factions.
• Sankei reports that Kihara is expected to help defuse tensions between the government and LDP Secretary General over fiscal matters and to utilise his experience in liaising with coalition partner Komeito on election cooperation.
• The report also suggests that Kishida has installed his close aide at two of the LDP's influential committees to rebuild his position ahead of next year's LDP leadership election, despite the risk of a backlash against favouring Kihara.
• Jiji suggests that Kishida's re-election bid may face resistance from Toshihiro Nikai, whose faction has been sidelined and who has reportedly established a relationship with ex-PM Yoshihide Suga and General Affairs Council's Hiroshi Moriyama.