Abe apologises to nation saying he bore full responsibility for appointing her to the post..

Embattled Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada on Friday said she was resigning, after a series of gaffes, missteps and a cover-up at her ministry that have contributed to a plunge in public support for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Mr. Abe apologized to the nation over the resignation of Ms. Inada, saying he bore full responsibility for appointing her to the post.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Abe said Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida would take additional charge of the defence portfolio.