Abe reshuffles Cabinet, adding minister to focus on economic recovery and increased birthrate

TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reshuffled his Cabinet to focus on reviving the world's No. 3 economy.

A newly appointed minister will steer programs aimed at achieving a strong economy and increased birth rate so the population stabilizes and the country can stay afloat.

Nine ministers were replaced in the reshuffle Wednesday, while key posts, including the foreign, defense and finance ministers, were unchanged.

Abe pushed through unpopular security legislation last month and is refocusing on the economy.

Abe vowed to stabilize the population at 100 million to build a society where all Japanese contribute to achieve the goals.

Japan's economy contracted at a 1.2 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter. Experts say achieving Abe's goal would be a stretch at Japan's recent pace of growth.