Reported to Join Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet Reshuffle: Japan Innovation Party Co-Leader Says Taiwan Is an Important Regional Friend

Following the Japan Innovation Party's coalition agreement with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in October last year, reports have emerged that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is preparing a cabinet reshuffle, potentially including members from the Japan Innovation Party. Amid this political development, the 'Japan Innovation Party - Republic of China (Taiwan) Parliamentary Friendship League' has launched a delegation visit to Taiwan.

Fumitake Fujita, Co-Representative of the Japan Innovation Party, stated at a press conference in Taipei on the 8th that more than half of the media reports regarding personnel appointments are inaccurate. "I just laugh when I read them," he said, while confirming that Prime Minister Ishiba will officially announce the personnel arrangements within this month.

In October 2025, the Japan Innovation Party formed a coalition government with the LDP under an 'external cooperation' framework, enabling LDP President Shigeru Ishiba to become Prime Minister. However, amid declining approval ratings, multiple Japanese media outlets, including Kyodo News, reported that Ishiba plans to restructure the cabinet on September 16, with vice-ministerial and parliamentary secretary appointments to be finalized by September 18. Some reports suggest that the Japan Innovation Party may formally join the cabinet, transitioning into a full coalition government.

At this juncture, the 'Japan Innovation Party - ROC (Taiwan) Parliamentary Friendship League' visited Taiwan. On the 7th, they were received by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, and on the 8th, they met with President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office. According to the Presidential Office, President Lai praised the Japan Innovation Party as a key ally of Taiwan, noting that the party advocates for Japan's defense enhancement and explicitly lists Taiwan as a values-sharing partner in its party platform, the 'Innovation Eight Policies'.

President Lai expressed confidence that under the LDP-Japan Innovation Party coalition, Taiwan and Japan will make greater contributions to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. He also hopes for a 'strong-strong partnership' to jointly build non-red supply chains and enhance the resilience of democratic supply chains with the support of the Japan Innovation Party.

At a press conference held at the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in Taipei, Fujita addressed the speculation about the cabinet reshuffle and potential inclusion of Innovation Party members. He stated that while media interest is understandable, over half of the reports are incorrect. He emphasized the party's commitment to the previously signed coalition agreement with the LDP and stressed the importance of accelerating ongoing reforms, particularly the 48-point joint policy agenda.

Although the coalition agreement does not directly mention Taiwan, Fujita explained that policies on security, diplomacy, and intelligence are designed to strengthen Japan's strategic autonomy, which in turn contributes to regional stability in East Asia and the Pacific. He added that these policies inevitably have positive implications for Taiwan.

When asked about the Japanese Conservative Party's Senator Kitamura Haruo, who announced plans to push for a Japanese version of the Taiwan Relations Act and Taiwan Travel Act upon returning to Japan, Fujita responded that such legislation requires careful technical consideration. However, he emphasized that the Japan Innovation Party has long advocated for enhancing Japan's strategic autonomy, with the U.S.-Japan alliance as a cornerstone. He stressed the need to strengthen ties with allies like the Philippines and Australia, and highlighted Taiwan as a crucial regional partner. "For now, we should prioritize deepening economic and trade relations with Taiwan," he said.

Regarding the increasing number of Japanese parliamentary delegations visiting Taiwan, while some lawmakers are also planning visits to China, Makoto Baba, advisor to the Japan Innovation Party, noted that many visiting Diet members are from their party, reflecting strong interest in Taiwan. He added that Diet members' autonomous overseas visits are vital for enhancing Japan's diplomatic capacity, with the party's long-term goal being to position Japan as a mediator in international conflicts and peace negotiations.