TOKYO - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has selected national security adviser Yuriko Koike, 54, to become Japan's defence minister, media reported on Tuesday, after her predecessor quit the post over remarks that appeared to accept the 1945 US atomic bombings of two Japanese cities.

Japanese National security advisor Yuriko Koike speaks during a news conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo in this photo taken on Oct. 13, 2006. [AP]

Abe's support rates have already been slashed by outrage over government mishandling of pension records, and outgoing Defence Minister Fumio Kyuma's perceived gaffe has added to his headaches before a July 29 upper house poll.