Japan PM Kishida to replace scandal-hit reconstruction minister: source

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided to replace reconstruction minister Kenya Akiba, who has been embroiled in scandals, including one over political funds, a source close to the matter said Monday, in a move that would make him the fourth minister to lose their post within a few months.Akiba is expected to leave the post on Tuesday, the source said, amid growing calls for his resignation before the ordinary parliament session begins in late January.Akiba's departure will likely deal a heavy blow to Kishida, as approval ratings for his Cabinet have recently been nearing what is…READ FULL ARTICLE