Toshimitsu Motegi and Sanae Takaichi were once rivals for Japan¡¯s top job. Now, Motegi is emerging as one of the prime minister¡¯s most important allies. Since naming him foreign minister last year, Takaichi has afforded him a level of autonomy rarely granted to Japan¡¯s chief diplomat, and Motegi has reciprocated through increased backing within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
The relationship signals both political and policymaking stability within the Takaichi administration. Motegi leads one of the largest blocs in the LDP and wields significant influence over intraparty dynamics, helping offset one of Takaichi¡¯s perceived weaknesses: party management. The pairing also signals continuity with the foreign policy approach established under the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
While the foreign minister¡¯s post has long carried high visibility and prestige, it has not always translated into authority.
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