8:00 JST, August 22, 2026

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is implementing a new public relations strategy. A key feature of this strategy is that it utilizes social media such as X and Instagram — in addition to traditional media such as television and newspapers — to counter negative posts about the administration or herself. This is because the harmful effects of disinformation are becoming increasingly severe for Japan’s elections, politics and national security. While Takaichi is working to enhance intelligence capabilities, she also believes it is important to strengthen the ability to counter disinformation on social media.

The key person in this effort is Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs Kozo Saiki. Saiki, who built his career at the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, previously served as the executive secretary in charge of public relations for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is Takaichi’s role model. Saiki is also well known as a speechwriter, having been responsible for many of Abe’s speeches in the Diet and elsewhere. In January, Takaichi recalled Saiki to Tokyo from his post as director of the Japan External Trade Organization’s office in Brussels. She appointed Saiki to a position heading the public relations of the government at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Since the position was established in 2001, his nine........

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