Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi reshuffles cabinet for the first time

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reshuffled her cabinet for the first time since taking office last October.

Key cabinet members retained include the Foreign Minister and Defense Minister.

The ruling coalition's Japan Innovation Party joined the cabinet for the first time.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara unveiled the new cabinet lineup on Thursday afternoon.

Ministers who are staying include Finance Minister Satsuki Katayami and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, as well as Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.

Analysis suggests retaining the foreign and defence ministers is a sign Japan intends to maintain the broad direction of its current diplomatic and defence policies.

Minister of Internal Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi, who was accused of being pro-China, was ousted.