Japanese politician and former skater Seiko Hashimoto is poised to become the Olympic minister.

If successful, Hashimoto will replace politician Shun'ichi Suzuki, who is currently the minister of Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic games. Suzuki was appointed April this year following the resignation of Yoshitaka Sakurada. 

The six-time gold medalist of the Asian Winter Games and bronze medalist of Albertville 1992 Olympics began a political career following her sporting success. She is currently the vice president of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

At the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Hashimoto was accused of sexually harassing skating champion Daisuke Takahashi by a Japanese magazine - Shukan Bunshun.

In the alleged photos taken the pair were seen at an alcohol-filled party, where Hashimoto was embracing and kissing Takahashi. Seiko Hashimoto denied the accusations. 

Daisuke Takahashi also denied the harassment claims, "I don't think for one moment it was power harassment or sexual harassment," said Takahashi.

Along with her skating career, Hashimoto has been involved in track cycling and has had the most Olympic appearances of any Japanese athlete.

The Mainichi (a Japanese newspaper) reports this reshuffle of the cabinet is set to take place on the 11th of September by Prime Minister Shinzō Abe.