The chief of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has been replaced following a series of cases of misconduct that include those involving handling of confidential information related to national security.

Sakai Ryo resigned as MSDF Chief of Staff on Friday. Saito Akira assumed the post on the same day.

Last week, Defense Minister Kihara Minoru announced the replacement, saying it was prompted by a series of illegal and inappropriate practices involving "specially designated secrets" and fraudulent allowance claims by MSDF divers.

The outgoing chief asked Saito to carry out reforms in a handover ceremony at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo.

Saito responded that he will deal appropriately with misconduct. He said there is no time to waste, considering the security environment surrounding the country.

Regarding the fraudulent allowance claims, the ministry said the total amount may be as much as 53-million yen, or about 340,000 dollars, up about 10-million yen from the ministry's previous disclosure last week.