Embattled Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada on 28th July 2017 announced resigning, after a series of gaffes, missteps and a cover-up at her ministry that have contributed to a sharp plunge in public support for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Ms. Inada (58), an Abe protege who shares his conservative views, had already expected to be replaced in a likely cabinet reshuffle next week that Mr. Abe hopes will help repair his ratings.
Support for the Prime Minister has sunk below 30 per cent in some polls, due to scandals over suspected cronyism and a view among many voters that he and his aides took them for granted.
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida would add the defence portfolio to his duties, to eliminate any gap at a time when Japan faces tough security challenges, such as volatile North Korea.
The resignation coincided with a report of an investigation into suspicions that defence ministry officials tried to hide logs showing worsening security in South Sudan.
This is where Japanese troops joined in a U.S.-led peacekeeping operation.
Troop deployment in the dangerous environment violated conditions set for such activities in line with Japan's pacifist constitution.
No Japanese troops have died in combat since World War Two and the growing chaos in South Sudan fuelled concern.
Mr. Abe, who returned to power in December 2012 promising to revive the economy and bolster defence, had until recently been seen as likely to win a third term when his tenure ends in September 2018, putting him on track to be Japan's longest-serving prime minister.
But the ratings plunge is making it more likely that LDP rivals will challenge him for the top party post - and the premiership.
The main opposition Democratic Party, however, has failed to capitalise on Mr. Abe's troubles.
