Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda (right) stands alongside Taro Aso, newly appointed Secretary General of ruling Liberal Democratic party (LDP), in Tokyo. Fukuda has reshuffled his cabinet, bringing in more than a dozen new ministers in a last-ditch bid to revive waning public approval as elections loom. [Xinhua]

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda reshuffled his 17-member Cabinet Friday in a bid to bolster support rate ahead of next House of Representatives election.

Four Cabinet members, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura, Foreign Minister Komura and Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe retained their posts.

Machimura announced the lineup of the new Cabinet in the evening at a press conference held at the Prime Minister's official residence.

To better deal with economic issues at a time when rocketing crude oil prices pose significant challenges, Fukuda appointed several heavyweights of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to important posts related to financial and economic policies.

LDP General Council Chairman and former Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai was reappointed to the post in the Cabinet. Former LDP Secretary General Bunmei Ibuki was appointed finance minister. Former Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano was appointed state minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy.