JAPAN - Two female ministers resigned on Monday after funding scandals emerged last week, a huge blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who had appointed the two to cabinet positions less than two months ago as part of a government campaign to win public favor.

Trade and Industry Minister Yuko Obuchi first resigned Monday after allegations that political groups backing her had improperly used political funds Thursday. Hours later, Justice Minister Midori Matsushima reportedly followed suit, BBC relayed.

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According to Japanese media, two political groups linked to Obuchi had spent at least 40 million yen in theater events from 2009 to 2011, while another group had bought goods worth over 3.5 million yen from businesses owned by Obuchi's relatives in 2009 through 2012.

While the 40-year-old has denied any personal involvement, she said she was resigning because of the problems caused by the scandal, adding that ignorance was not an excuse.

Japan's economic and energy initiatives cannot be undermined by my problems, Obuchi said, as she apologized for her inability to contribute more to Abe's goals of reenergizing the economy.

Shortly after Obuchi's resignation, Abe announced Matsushima had also stepped down from her post.

Matsushima had come under fire after the opposition Democratic Party alleged she had violated election rules by distributing paper fans bearing her image at a festival.

Obuchi and Matsushima are two of five women appointed by Abe on a Sept. 3 cabinet reshuffle as the Japanese government sought to promote women's participation in society.

Abe said he will bear the responsibility for having promoted both women and that the posts would be immediately filled in a day.

But while the incident seems to have been more or less dealt with, it seems Abe may still have his hands full in dealing with the remaining three women he appointed to Cabinet, speculated BBC Japan correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes.

Wingfield-Hayes cited Eriko Yamtani, the minister handling the North Korean abduction matter, who has recently appeared in leaked photos with members of a known nationalist group that has lambasted Tokyo's Korean community.

TagsYuko Obuchi, Midori Matsushima, Female ministers in Japan, funding scandal