At an online conference on Japan’s security organized on Sept. 16 by the Heritage Foundation, a major U.S. think tank, some participants voiced doubts about the Suga administration’s cabinet appointments. Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi was assessed as a “novice.”

Jeffrey Hornung, a political scientist at the Rand Corporation, pointed out that Kishi is a “novice.” The Rand Corporation, a think tank recognized for its research on security issues, was established with U.S. military involvement. Hornung further noted that it is “unlikely that the Suga administration will take drastic steps in the field of security where there are delicate issues such as the capability to attack enemy bases.”

Tobias Harris, who has written a book on the Abe administration, commented on the Suga Cabinet by saying that “some [cabinet members], including the defense minister, have little experience.” (Abridged)