Is Taro Kono A-List?
NoB
No — Taro Kono is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Ranking Timeline
1996D$0.1M
Elected to House
Elected to the House of Representatives in Japan.
2015C▲$0.5M+$0.4M
Administrative Reform Minister
Appointed Minister in Abe's Cabinet.
2017B▲$1M+$0.5M
Foreign Affairs Minister
Appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, raising his profile.
2019B$1.3M+$0.30000000000000004M
Defense Minister
Appointed as Minister of Defense.
2021B$1.7M+$0.3999999999999999M
Digital Transformation Minister
Appointed Minister for Digital Transformation.
2026B$2M+$0.30000000000000004M
Key LDP Figure
Remains a significant figure in the LDP.
Last updated: February 24, 2026