Akira Amari, chairperson of the Liberal Democratic Party's Research Commission on the Tax System, is likely to replace Toshihiro Nikai as the party's secretary general, according to sources.
New LDP President Fumio Kishida is said to be making final arrangements for the appointment and is expected to launch a new party leadership on Friday.
Amari is close to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, and served as Kishida campaign's advisor for the LDP presidential election.
There is also speculation that the post of chief cabinet secretary will go to Koichi Hagiuda, currently the education, culture, sports, science and technology minister and a member of the Hosoda faction.
The appointment of Taro Kono and Sanae Takaichi, who Kishida competed with in the presidential election, to important posts is also being considered.
At Wednesday's press conference, Kishida said, "We need balance [in the LDP's leadership] between the young and the old, and need to promote young and mid-ranking [members]."
Regarding election rivals Kono, Takaichi and Seiko Noda, Kishida said, "I want to think of ways to let them demonstrate their abilities in the party."
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