Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi is set to map out her plan on ministry reform in August, but she faces a tough job satisfying a weary public and proposals from diverse circles on how to put the scandal-tainted ministry on track.

Kawaguchi is also likely to face stiff resistance from ministry officials who, during a standoff with her predecessor, Makiko Tanaka, were often criticized for prioritizing their own bureaucratic interests.

A major road map for reform was set Monday by Kawaguchi's advisory panel, including a specific timetable for implementing proposals such as appointing 20 percent of Japan's ambassadors from outside the ministry within three years.