TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to tap Yasukazu Hamada as defense minister Wednesday in a cabinet reshuffle that mixes experienced hands and new faces to take on the host of policy challenges facing the government.
Hamada, a lower house lawmaker versed in national security issues, served as defense minister from 2008 to 2009 under then-Prime Minister Taro Aso. He will replace current Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi.
