With parliament in recess, attention has turned to whether Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will use the rest of the summer to make Cabinet or Liberal Democratic Party leadership changes to boost her strength before lawmakers convene for the fall session.

But it’s how well Takaichi can manage her relationship with powerful behind-the-scenes LDP Vice President Taro Aso — a relationship now under strain — that may ultimately determine her political fortunes.

Aso’s sway over Takaichi stems from his influence in the LDP. He leads the party’s only official faction, which has 60 members. His brother-in-law, Shunichi Suzuki, serves as LDP secretary-general.