Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Monday appointed former Foreign Minister Matsumoto Takeaki as the new internal affairs minister. Matsumoto is replacing Terada Minoru, who had come under fire over a series of problems linked to political funds.

Terada tendered his resignation on Sunday.

Matsumoto is 63 years old. He belongs to the main governing Liberal Democratic Party's faction headed by its vice president, Aso Taro.

Matsumoto was first elected to the Lower House in 2000 as a member of the then-Democratic Party.

While the party was in power, he served as foreign minister and the head of the Lower House's steering committee.

Matsumoto left the party after its fall from power, citing a difference over national security legislation. He later joined the LDP.

Matsumoto told reporters that the prime minister instructed him to make progress in a range of challenges facing the internal affairs ministry. He said they include local administrative and fiscal affairs, an initiative to expand digital technologies in rural areas, and information and communications.

Matsumoto said the ministry oversees extremely important systems which are the foundation of the country and people's lives. He said the head of the ministry bears great responsibility, but that he will try to work hard to fulfill the mandate.