Japan PM likely to change most ministers - media

TOKYO Aug 1 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda was likely to replace more than half his ministers in a cabinet shake-up that the unpopular leader was set to carry out on Friday in a bid to boost his popularity and keep his job, domestic media said.

The Japanese leader, whose ratings are languishing around 25 percent, was also trying to tap rival Taro Aso, an outspoken former foreign minister often cited as a frontrunner to succeed Fukuda if he falters, for the key ruling party post of secretary-general, newspapers said.

But the new cabinet line-up was unlikely to end speculation over a snap election and could well leave unclear the direction of policy as the global credit crisis hits the economy.

"This reshuffle is the first opportunity to show 'Fukuda colour'," the Nikkei business daily said in an editorial. "The biggest question is whether he can clarify his policy objectives and create a set-up to face the next general election."

Fukuda told reporters on Thursday that he would decide on the cabinet reshuffle at a meeting with coalition partner Akihiro Ota, the head of the New Komeito party, on Friday morning.

Fukuda was also likely to retain Nobutaka Machimura in the key post of chief cabinet secretary, confounding speculation that he might replace the top aide, media reports said.

But media provided no clues as to whether new faces would be drafted for important economic posts such as finance minister.

Fukuda wants to erase the doubts about his leadership skills and boost the low ratings that threaten his grip on power after just 10 months in office, although a delay in deciding on the cabinet reshuffle has given rise to charges of indecisiveness.

A revamped cabinet, however, would not alter the reality in parliament, where a feisty opposition controls the upper house and has made no secret of its desire for an early poll in hopes of ousting Fukuda's long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

No lower house election need be held until September 2009.

But speculation is simmering that Fukuda -- or his successor -- might go to the polls earlier to seek a mandate to break the political deadlock that is stymying policies from security to welfare and tax reform. (Reporting by Linda Sieg; Editing by Chris Gallagher)