The lineup of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's new Cabinet, formed Monday, shows his determination to put finishing touches on his reforms in the rather short time left for him. He has made clear that he will step down in September 2006. Mr. Koizumi included in his new Cabinet three politicians from his Liberal Democratic Party who are widely regarded as possible contenders to succeed him.

He also retained Mr. Heizo Takenaka, an economics professor-turned-politician who has been a main force for pushing Mr. Koizumi's reform policies. Mr. Takenaka has served in ecomomic-policy-related Cabinet posts since Mr. Koizumi came into office. He also assigned a Cabinet post to Mr. Kaoru Yosano, who has been serving as the LDP's policy chief.

Mr. Koizumi apparently wants to have these politicians vie with each other and exert efforts to substantiate his policies. This way, Mr. Koizumi will be able to see who follows his political agenda most faithfully. Such an arrangement could help increase his grip as the top leader of the ruling party and the government.