Japan farm minister faces questions over election buses and past remarks

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  Japanese farm minister Kazuo Yana admitted that his campaign provided free shuttle bus rides to supporters during past lower house elections but denied breaking the law.

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  He said the buses were arranged partly because many supporters were elderly and public transport in the area was limited.

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  Yana is also facing criticism over reported remarks about road budgets and alleged offensive language toward reporters.

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  Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has said Yana will remain in his post despite calls for his dismissal.

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  Some opposition parties are considering a censure motion after Yana gives further explanations at Diet budget committee sessions.

Who

Farm minister Kazuo Yana is facing questions from lawmakers and criticism over several allegations.

What

He acknowledged that his campaign provided free shuttle bus rides to supporters but denied the rides were illegal. He is also facing scrutiny over reported remarks about road budgets and reporters.

When

Yana answered questions on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The allegations about the road-budget remarks emerged in late September.

Where

At a House of Representatives session in Japan; the reported road-budget remarks were made in Yana’s constituency.

Why

Weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported that the bus rides may have violated the Public Offices Election Act. Other reports concerned Yana’s remarks about road budgets and reporters.

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