Official announcement from the Japanese government or major news outlets like NHK or The Japan Times

Japan's PM Ishiba to Replace National Security Head Akiba with Okano Amid Trump's Administration Change

Jan 7, 2025, 02:06 AM

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is considering replacing Takeo Akiba, the 66-year-old Secretary General of Japan's National Security Secretariat, with 60-year-old Vice Foreign Minister Masataka Okano. Akiba, who has been in his position since July 2021, is set to retire this month. Okano, currently the top official at the Foreign Ministry, is expected to take over the role, which involves coordinating and planning Japan's foreign and security policies. The transition is being planned in alignment with the upcoming change in the U.S. administration, as President Donald Trump prepares to take office.