Defense Minister Being Replaced As Part Of Deal For Tax Measure

In an attempt to smooth the way for a tax deal with opposition politicians, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has decided to replace his defense minister and four other Cabinet ministers, reports the Japan Times.

Noda made a similar move in January in an effort to advance talks with the opposition Liberal Democratic Party in his attempt to raise the sales tax rate.

Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka is expected to be replaced by Satoshi Morimoto, a professor at the Takushoku...