Amari Akira is appointed LDP's Secretary-General. (Photo: NHK)

This is the first designation made by Kishida as the President of LDP. 72-year-old Akira has been a member of the House of Representatives for 12 consecutive terms. As an Economy Minister of Japan, Akira worked a lot for Japan’s admission to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the predecessor the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Akira was the first supporter and major contributor to Kishida’s race for LDP President.

Kishida is all-but-certain to be confirmed as the Japanese Prime Minister during an extraordinary Parliamentary session on Monday (October 4) as the LDP-led coalition holds a majority in both chambers of parliament.