Kishida takes charge of foreign policy with Kamikawa pick

Japanese PM leans on diplomacy to boost popularity ahead of LDP race

Yoko Kamikawa is a surprise pick for Japan's foreign minister. (Photo by Mayumi Tsumita)

KEN MORIYASU, Nikkei Asia diplomatic correspondent

September 14, 2023 19:00 JST

TOKYO -- One of the surprises of the Japanese cabinet reshuffle Wednesday was the switch at the foreign ministry. Yoshimasa Hayashi, the 62-year-old Harvard-educated pianist viewed by some as a potential candidate for prime minister, was replaced by 70-year-old Yoko Kamikawa, a three-time justice minister with little foreign policy experience.