TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has offered to resign following a series of scandals involving his cabinet, local media reported on Wednesday.

Abe's official residence has informed his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of his intention to resign, public broadcaster NHK reported, quoting unnamed LDP sources.

The Kyodo news agency also reported that Abe had offered to resign, citing an unnamed LDP executive.

There was no immediate confirmation of the reports.

Abe has been in a fight for his political life as the resurgent opposition tries to block his reforms as well as legislation to extend a controversial military mission providing refuelling support to US-led operations in Afghanistan.

He has staked his job on the need to extend the mandate for the mission, which polls show is unpopular with voters.

Opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has vowed to use his bloc's new-found power in parliament to fight against Tokyo's logistical backing for US forces.

Abe, an outspoken conservative and Japan's first premier born after World War II, took office less than a year ago with a popular, youthful image, but his public support has plunged over the scandals and gaffes by his ministers.

Abe brought in party veterans to take up key positions in his cabinet after a major upper-house election defeat in July.

But just one week later his new farm minister resigned over financial wrongdoing.