JAPAN’S new trade and industry minister quit over a funding scandal yesterday and the justice minister resigned after being accused of violating electoral laws, dealing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe his biggest setback since taking office in 2012.

    The resignations of the two women could complicate tough decisions on key policies, including whether to go ahead with an unpopular plan to raise the national sales tax and planned restarts of nuclear reactors that were shut down after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

    Abe hopes to contain the damage with swift replacements, but the opposition is looking for other potentially vulnerable ministers also appointed in an early September Cabinet reshuffle. Further resignations could raise doubts about Abe’s own future, some political experts said.

    Trade and industry Minister Yuko Obuchi, 40, the daughter of a prime minister and tipped as a future contender to become Japan’s first female premier, told a news conference she was resigning after allegations that her support groups misused political funds.

    Just hours later, Justice Minister Midori Matsushima also resigned. The opposition Democratic Party had filed a criminal complaint against Matsushima, accusing her of violating the election law by distributing paper fans to voters.

    Obuchi and Matsushima were two of five women appointed by Abe in the Cabinet reshuffle less than two months ago — a move intended to boost his popularity and show his commitment to promoting women as part of his “Abenomics” strategy to revive the economy.

    “I appointed them and as prime minister, I bear responsibility,” Abe told reporters. “I deeply apologize to the people of the nation.”

    The departures are the first Cabinet resignations for Abe, who took office in December 2012 for a rare second term, promising to revive Japan’s stalled economy and strengthen its security stance to cope with challenges such as a rising China.

    Abe’s first stint as prime minister in 2006-2007 was marred by scandals among his ministers — several quit and one committed suicide. Abe himself resigned after just one year in the face of parliamentary deadlock, sliding support rates and ill health.

    (SD-Agencies)