Atsuo Saka, director general for economic, fiscal and social structure at the Cabinet Office, will become vice minister for economic and fiscal policy July 15, replacing departing Yuzo Kobayashi, the Cabinet Office said Tuesday.

Nobuyori Kodaira, director general for economic and fiscal management, will take up Saka's current post, also July 15, the office said.

Saka, 56, who originally joined the Finance Ministry, took up his current post in January 2001. Kodaira, 54, who originally joined what is now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, took up his current post in January last year.