战略与国际研究中心-Japan-Watch-September-2004-Issue_3页_78kb

New Koizumi Cabinet Review: All the PM's Men

Core Content

On September 27, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi restructured his cabinet, forming the second Koizumi cabinet. This reorganization involved replacing 11 out of 17 ministers and also reshuffling three senior LDP officers. The reshuffle was aimed at advancing his key policy initiatives, particularly the privatization of Japan's postal savings system, which has faced significant resistance within his own party.

Main Views and Key Information

1. Focus on Postal System Privatization

• Priority Policy: Koizumi's top priority in the cabinet reorganization is the privatization of the postal system, a major reform project that has been opposed by influential factions within the LDP.
• Bill Submission: The cabinet approved an outline for privatization and plans to submit the bill to the Diet in the following year.
• Reform Supporters: Koizumi appointed reform-friendly individuals to key roles, including:
  • Tsutomu Takebe as LDP Secretary-General, a strong backer of his reforms.
  • Shinzo Abe, his popular predecessor, was demoted in the party hierarchy to support Takebe.
  • Heizo Takenaka retained as Minister for Economic and Fiscal Policy and also took charge of postal reform, bolstered by his recent victory in the Upper House election.
  • Taro Aso appointed as Minister for General Affairs, overseeing the postal service, and Hiroyuki Hosoda as Chief Cabinet Secretary, both of whom are known for their support of reform.
• Factional Balance: Only three members from the Hashimoto faction, which opposes postal reform, were appointed. This reflects Koizumi's efforts to weaken the faction's influence, particularly after its scandals, and his push for reform.

2. Commitment to Foreign and Security Policies

• Continuity with U.S. Alliance: Koizumi emphasized continuity in Japan's foreign policy by appointing Nobutaka Machimura as Foreign Minister. Machimura has extensive experience in foreign affairs and is well-connected with U.S. officials.
• Defense Minister: Yoshinori Ohno was appointed as Defense Minister, highlighting Koizumi's strong commitment to maintaining the U.S.-Japan alliance. Ohno has prior experience in foreign policy and has been involved in U.S.-Japan parliamentary exchange programs.

3. Challenges in Coordination

• Lack of Coordination: The Japanese government has struggled with coordination in foreign and security policy due to the resignation of key officials like Yasuo Fukuda and Teijiro Furukawa.
• Complex Reforms: The privatization of the postal system may lead to broader financial market liberalization, but this requires careful political coordination.
• Okinawa Base Issue: Koizumi faces the challenge of balancing interests in resolving the Futenma base relocation issue, involving local landowners, residents, and powerful general contractors.

Cabinet Members and Roles

Conclusion

The second Koizumi cabinet represents a clear shift towards reform, particularly in the postal savings system, and a strong alignment with U.S. foreign and security policies. However, the success of these initiatives will depend heavily on Koizumi's ability to coordinate diverse interests both domestically and internationally. The cabinet's composition signals a departure from traditional LDP practices, but the real test lies in the implementation and management of these complex reforms.