Japan PM to replace five ministers to win tax support - media

TOKYO (Reuters) - Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda plans to replace five cabinet ministers on Monday, Japanese media reported, as he attempts to win the support of the biggest opposition party for his plan to double Japan's sales tax rate. By removing the ministers, who are seen as under-performing, Noda hopes to persuade the opposition Liberal Democratic Party to negotiate over the tax bills. He needs opposition support for the bills to pass through a divided parliament. The tax hike is seen as an essential part of efforts needed to curb Japan's snowballing public debt. ...