TOMOMI INADA

Japan’s defence minister resigns over a scandal involving the handling of military documents 1 Inada is a close confidante of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe . She was appointed defence minister in August 2016 and was touted as a possible future leader. But her stint has been characterised by controversy, including increasing criticism of the ministry’s handling of log reports filed by Japanese peacekeepers in South Sudan showing worsening security 2

Earlier, Inada drew criticism when she prayed at a controversial war shrine in Tokyo -- the day after accompanying Abe on a symbolic visit of reconciliation to Pearl Harbour 3

Her resignation comes as a political blow to Abe, who has seen his popularity plummet in recent weeks over a series of controversies.