Nov 06 (NHK) - Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has decided to appoint former education minister Hayashi Yoshimasa as foreign minister.
The appointment comes after the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party officially named Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu as its new secretary-general on Thursday.
Hayashi has served in various ministerial posts, such as education minister and defense minister.
Japan's Diet is to convene a special session next Wednesday to choose the country's next prime minister after the latest general election.
Prime Minister Kishida, who is also the leader of the LDP, is expected to be reelected to the post following his party's victory in the election.
Kishida is doubling as foreign minister until he names his new Cabinet members.