Two newly named ministers by Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso officially took office Thursday.

Economic and fiscal policy minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, a former defense minister, replaced Kaoru Yosano, who retained his other posts of finance minister and financial services minister following an attestation ceremony at the Imperial Palace.

Motoo Hayashi, acting Liberal Democratic Party secretary general, took over the post held by Tsutomu Sato as National Public Safety Commission chief, who retained his post as internal affairs and communications minister.

Aso announced their appointments in a minor Cabinet reshuffle while abandoning a plan to reshuffle key posts in the ruling LDP.

Source: Xinhua