Japan Prime Minister Abe reshuffles Cabinet as support dips

TOKYO — Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe has reshuffled his Cabinet, opting for seasoned party veterans to help restore his battered popularity.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (C) arrives at his official residence in Tokyo, Japan, August 3, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, who retained his post, announced the new lineup Thursday.

Abe's approval ratings have suffered from a spate of scandals over alleged cronyism and other abuses. The shakeup Thursday was anticipated and was not expected to have a major impact on Japan's foreign policy or economy.

The newly named ministers included many Cabinet veterans, including Itsunori Onodera, a former defense minister who again was named to that post.

Last week, Abe's protege, Tomomi Inada, stepped down as defense minister after the disclosure that the ministry hid information about risks faced by Japanese peacekeeping troops in South Sudan.

Agencies