Abe accepts justice minister's resignation

Japan's Justice Minister Midori Matsushima attends a news conference at her ministry in Tokyo, Oct 20, 2014. Japan's new trade and industry minister quit over a funding scandal on Monday and Matsushima resigned after being accused of violating electoral laws, dealing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe his biggest setback since taking office in 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday accepted resignation of Justice Minister Midori Matsushima who tendered the quit letter earlier in the day due to alleged election law violation, reported local media.

Matsushima's resignation came after Trade Minister Yuko Obuchi's quit from her post earlier the day over scandal of misuse of political funds.

A senior official of Japan's major opposition Democratic Party of Japan filed a criminal complaint with prosecutors on Friday against Matsushima for alleged election law violation.

Abe said he is responsible for appointing the two resigning ministers, both of them took the post early September during Abe's first cabinet reshuffle since he returned to power in December 2012, according to local report.

The prime minister will also select two new ministers on Monday, said Japan's Kyodo News.

Abe ushered in five female ministers, including Obuchi and Matsushima, during his cabinet reshuffle in efforts to make his cabinet a test field for promoting women's status and involvement in the society and workplace.

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