01/10/2012 12:43
Japan's prime minister has reshuffled his Cabinet
Japan's prime minister has reshuffled his Cabinet for a third time since taking office last year as he tries to boost support for the government ahead of expected elections, the Voice of America reports.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced the new lineup Monday, saying it will help the government and the ruling party work together to address domestic and diplomatic issues.
Public support for his government has fallen as the prime minister pushed to double the country's sales tax. Japan is also locked in a diplomatic dispute with China over ownership of islands in the East China Sea.
The Cabinet shakeup includes new ministers of finance, national policy and education. The country's foreign minister and defense minister are keeping their jobs.