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Japanese PM reshuffles Cabinet, retains key ministers

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
TOKYO, Sept 3 (KUNA) -- Japanese Prime Minister Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reshuffled his Cabinet on Wednesday, retaining most key ministers while picking a record-matching five women.
Abe retained six ministers for the 18-member Cabinet, including Finance Minister Taro Aso, who doubles as deputy prime minister, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.
The premier replaced 12 ministers, such as defense, trade, justice, agriculture, health, internal affairs.
It is the first time Abe has reshuffled his Cabinet since he took office in December 2012.
On Tuesday, Abe said he will reshuffle the Cabinet to begin the second chapter in the fight to restore Japan.
The cabinet members will later go to the Imperial Palace for an attestation ceremony. (end) mk.gta