Prime Minister Naoto Kan named political blue-blood and former banker Takeaki Matsumoto as foreign minister Wednesday, promoting the deputy foreign minister to replace Seiji Maehara, who stepped down over a political donation scandal.
"The prime minister decided to appoint (Matsumoto) for his ability and knowledge as well as (Kan's wish) to continue his current diplomacy," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said, adding that Matsumoto, as deputy foreign minister, was already playing a key foreign policy role.
After Maehara abruptly resigned Sunday over receiving ¥250,000 in political donations from a South Korean resident of Japan, Edano doubled as foreign minister until a new pick was chosen. The political funds law prohibits politicians from accepting donations from foreign nationals. The donor has a Japanese name.