“Takachi Security” Accelerates… Surprise Replacement of National Security Director [Insider]

Sanae Takaichi, the new Prime Minister of Japan, holds an inaugural press conference at the Prime Minister’s official residence. [Yonhap News],
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, ‘The Japanese government led by new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has made a surprise replacement of the head of the National Security Secretariat, a position often referred to as the command center of Japan’s foreign and security policies.’,
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, ‘Locally, it is analyzed that this personnel appointment by Prime Minister Takaichi, who has advocated for hawkish policies such as establishing the national intelligence agency and enacting anti-espionage laws, is aimed at advancing security policy through the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office.’,
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, ‘According to local media such as the Asahi Shimbun on the 22nd, Prime Minister Takaichi convened her first Cabinet meeting last night and decided to dismiss Masataka Okano (61), the head of the National Security Secretariat, appointing Keiichi Ichikawa (61), former deputy head of the National Security Secretariat, as his successor.’,
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, ‘Since the National Security Secretariat was established in 2014, previous heads have served for about two and a half to five years, but former head Okano only served for a mere nine months. Known for his extensive knowledge of international law, former foreign vice minister Okano emphasized the rule of law.’,
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, ‘Moreover, Ichikawa, the newly appointed head who previously served as a diplomat, had been slated to become the ambassador to Indonesia on the 16th. The National Security Secretariat plays a coordinating role in Japan’s diplomatic and security policies and serves as the secretariat for the National Security Council (NSC), which the Prime Minister chairs.’,
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, ‘Regarding this, the Asahi Shimbun interpreted it as “an unusual replacement in a short period” and stated, “Prime Minister Takaichi’s appointment reveals her intention to pursue hawkish policies.” The Yomiuri Shimbun also reported, “The new head, Ichikawa, was recognized for his contributions to the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ initiative under the Abe cabinet,” forecasting that it is part of efforts for early revision of the three main security documents.’,
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Keiichi Ichikawa, the newly appointed head of Japan’s National Security Secretariat. [Yonhap News],
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, ‘In a press conference held last night, Prime Minister Takaichi also expressed her focus on preparing economic measures for high inflation, while emphasizing the intention to review the early revision of the three main security documents.’,
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, ‘The fact that the Liberal Democratic Party, instead of partnering with the moderate conservative Komeito, has allied with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party is also seen as a factor accelerating changes in security policy. In fact, among the 12-sector agreements made by the LDP and the Innovation Party on the 20th to establish a coalition, the foreign and security sector includes the revision of the ‘Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment’ by next year, early revision of the three main security documents, and the establishment of the national intelligence agency.’,
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, ‘Meanwhile, Prime Minister Takaichi responded to North Korea’s missile launches by stating that “Japan, the U.S., and South Korea are closely cooperating to respond fully, including real-time sharing of warning data,” and reported that there was no damage.’,
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, ‘Prime Minister Takaichi stated to reporters at the official residence, “Due to South Korea’s announcement regarding North Korea’s missile launches, I altered my schedule to receive updates” and made these comments.’,
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, ‘She added, “There has been no confirmation of flights in Japan’s territorial waters or exclusive economic zone,” and “No damage reports or other information have been confirmed,” instructing the defense and foreign ministers to continue gathering and analyzing necessary information.’,
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, ‘Reporter Eun Kyu Yoo ([email protected])’,
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