NHK


 

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has shaken up his Cabinet. He says his new lineup will address challenges at home and abroad.

He said, "I have established an experienced and capable LDP-Komeito coalition government that has the ability to overcome what is said to be the most difficult time in several decades.

We are faced with various historic challenges at home and abroad such as the coronavirus, Ukraine crisis, US-China tensions over Taiwan and global surge in prices."

Out of 19 ministers, five remain in their posts, including Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa.

The lineup also includes five former ministers, including Hamada Yasukazu, who will return as defense minister.

Nine others will be serving as Cabinet ministers for the first time.
Kishida says he appointed people who agreed to inspect and rectify any connections to a religious group previously known as the Unification Church.

Public support for Kishida has dropped as ties between the group and members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party come under the spotlight.

The suspect in the fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo reportedly told police he held a grudge against the religious group and believed Abe had ties to it.

Three members of the Cabinet have admitted that they paid fees for gatherings related to the religious group. They include Internal Affairs Minister Terada Minoru.