Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided to dismiss reconstruction minister Kenya Akiba, who has been embroiled in political funds scandals, a source close to the matter said Monday, in a move that would make him the fourth Cabinet member to lose their ministerial post within a few months.
Akiba's departure is likely to deal a heavy blow to Kishida, as approval ratings for his Cabinet have recently been nearing what is widely viewed as the "danger level" of 30%.
The prime minister is also set to sack Mio Sugita, a parliamentary vice minister for internal affairs and communications, for her past discriminatory remarks against sexual-minority couples, among other controversial acts, the source also said.