Diplomacy and the economy are the key concerns of Japan’s new, more female-friendly cabinet, which has just been sworn in.<br /><br />It is the result of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s first reshuffle since returning to office in December 2012. <br /><br />With five female newcomers, seven women now hold cabinet posts.<br /><br />Among those being presented to Emperor Akihito in a formal approval ceremony was Yuko Obuchi, 40, the daughter of a former premier. She is now the trade and industry minister.<br /><br />In Tokyo, the changes, including her appointment, have met a mixed reaction.<br /><br />“I don’t think they are seeing people who are really suffering,” said one woman. <br /><br />“Even though she has children, her own parents are politicians and she won’t understand how ordinary households with kids and no income feel.”<br /><br />“They are harping on about Abenomics,” one man said, giving the nickname for the premier’s growth strategy.<br /><br />“But I don’t think it has trickled down to the common man yet. Basic salaries are going up but so are taxes.”<br /><br />As well as trying to turn the economy around, Abe’s other challenge is repairing Japan’s strained relationship with China. <br /><br />In a twin revamp, he has given two senior positions in his conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to Beijing-friendly figures – in an apparent signal of hope for a thaw in chilly ties.
