New Liberal Democratic Party President Yasuo Fukuda chose four veteran heavyweights for the party's top posts Monday, including education minister Bunmei Ibuki as secretary general, the LDP's No. 2 position.
Former Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki is now policy chief as chairman of the LDP Policy Research Council, Toshihiro Nikai was retained as chairman of the General Council and former Secretary General Makoto Koga was chosen to head the election strategy committee.
The LDP traditionally has three top posts — secretary general, General Council chief and policy chief, but Fukuda created the fourth position to include Koga in hopes of strengthening the party ahead of the next Lower House election, which must be held within two years.