Resignations may slow Abe's agenda

But Japanese PM unlikely to suffer long-term damage, analysts say

The resignations of two cabinet members within a week have again cast doubts on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's appointments and may affect his agenda including constitutional reform but they are unlikely to cause lasting damage due to a lack of strong rivals and a weak opposition, analysts said.

On Thursday, Abe accepted the resignation of Japan's Justice Minister Katsuyuki Kawai, who was accused by Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine of violating the Public Offices Election Law in the election campaign for his wife, Anri Kawai.