Overview
- In her first cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ordered an economic package to tackle inflation, seeking an early end to the gasoline surtax and a higher threshold for the so‑called income cap on part‑time work.
- She affirmed plans to instruct revisions to Japan’s three national security documents and rejected calls for an early dissolution of the Lower House.
- A directive to the health minister to consider easing working‑hours limits was revealed by sources, signaling a potential clash over labor regulations.
- The government is finalizing vice‑minister and parliamentary secretary appointments, and reporting indicates seven lawmakers linked to the LDP slush‑fund scandal are set to be named.
- Takaichi advanced her schedule after reports of a North Korean missile launch, is aiming for a policy speech on October 24, and is preparing for a visit by the U.S. president next week according to media reports.