Japan's Foreign Minister May Move to Defense Ministry

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono is being considered for the role of Defense Minister. Photo: AP

Kono could be considered as a successor to Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya, as his tough stance towards South Korea on historical issues could cause political and trade tensions between the two countries, according to the Sankei Shimbun.

Abe hopes that Kono, who is known for his close ties to the US and his positive relationship with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, can strengthen Japan's role in trilateral security cooperation between Tokyo, Washington and Seoul amid ongoing disputes. The Defense Ministry has not yet commented on this information.

The Yomiuri newspaper reported on September 4 that Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi was appointed to replace Taro Kono as Foreign Minister in a Cabinet reshuffle scheduled for September 11.

Taro Kono became Foreign Minister in August 2017. He is the son of former Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono. Former politician Yohei Kono is widely known for the 1993 “Kono Statement”, in which he conveyed Tokyo’s apology to Asian women forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War II.

Earlier, local media reported that Prime Minister Abe said he emphasized “stability” and “challenges” in the new team. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga are expected to retain their positions.

Japan's most recent cabinet reshuffle took place on October 2, 2018, with 12 new appointments, including Regional Revitalization Minister Katsuki Katayama, the only woman.