Japanese PM Noda reshuffles cabinet

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda reshuffled his cabinet on Friday to promote discussions with the opposition parties on his proposal to raise the nation's sales tax.

Five members were replaced, including Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa and Consumer Affairs Minister Kenji Yamaoka, both of whom have been censured by the opposition-controlled upper house of parliament.

The opposition, which controls the less powerful upper house of parliament, had threatened to reject any discussion about key tax legislation unless Ichikawa was fired.