Now playing: Japan's post-Abe game of thrones

Will Koizumi Jr. prove himself, or will Abe end up being his own successor?

Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of a popular former prime minister, has been seen as a future prime minister candidate since in his 20s. Now as a cabinet member, he will be tested on his leadership and political skills in the Diet. (Photo by Kai Fujii)

YURI MOMOI, Nikkei deputy editor

September 22, 2019 15:31 JST

TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stocked his new cabinet and ruling party leadership with political heavyweights vying for his post, bringing into sharp relief the rivalry expected to play out over the next two years until a new leader is selected.

Some speculate that Abe deliberately assembled his team to let potential successors compete against each other. With Shinjiro Koizumi, the popular son of a former prime minister, also joining the cabinet, Japan's political circles are suddenly immersed in a guessing game of who will emerge victorious.