TOKYO: Japan's prime minister appointed experienced conservatives to top cabinet and ruling party posts yesterday in a reshuffle aimed at bolstering support following a crushing defeat in elections last month.

Support for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has plunged in recent months over a spate of gaffes and scandals involving key ministers, culminating in a humiliating setback in parliamentary polls on July 29.

Abe, who took office in September, was under pressure to appoint capable, scandal-free ministers and give his government a greater air of authority.