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Japan PM faces pressure over minister and economic plans
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces pressure over her agriculture minister and plans to ease household costs.
Kazuo Yanai drew criticism after saying budget cuts to road projects in two towns were linked to their support for his election rival; he later denied having power over budget decisions.
Yanai also acknowledged that his campaign provided free transport to supporters, prompting concerns from lawmakers about a possible breach of election law.
Takaichi has reportedly decided to replace Yanai, which would be the first ministerial departure from her government since she took office about a year ago.
Opposition parties in Japan’s upper house are preparing a no-confidence motion, and some lawmakers have threatened to delay debate on a temporary cut to consumption tax on food and drinks.
The dispute could hold up the tax measure, which the government says is intended to support domestic spending as households face price pressures.
Takaichi has also raised concerns about productivity, saying household duties take three to four extra hours a day and that long parliamentary sessions leave less time for government work.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces pressure over Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana and her government’s economic plans.
Reports say Takaichi has decided to replace Yana after he faced criticism over remarks linking road-funding cuts to political support.
Opposition parties are preparing a no-confidence motion against Yana and have threatened to delay debate on a temporary consumption-tax cut for food and drinks.
The dispute comes as the government seeks to pass economic measures intended to ease household cost pressures.
Takaichi has also drawn attention to the time she spends on household responsibilities and lengthy parliamentary sessions.
- Who
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana are at the centre of the story.
- What
- Takaichi reportedly plans to replace Yana amid criticism of his remarks. Opposition parties are threatening to obstruct debate on an economic measure.
- When
- The reports and parliamentary remarks were reported on Wednesday; the article was published on 14 October 2026.
- Where
- Japan, including the parliament and Yana’s electoral district.
- Why
- Yana was criticised over remarks about road-funding allocations and his campaign’s transport arrangements. The dispute could delay economic measures, including a temporary consumption-tax cut.
Opposition parties
Takaichi's government
Minister's position
Opposition parties
Opposition parties are preparing a no-confidence motion against Yana and some lawmakers have threatened to delay debate on the tax cut until he leaves office.
Takaichi's government
The government reportedly intends to replace Yana and is seeking to pass economic measures, including a temporary tax cut on food and drinks.
Yana faced criticism over remarks linking road-funding cuts in two municipalities to their support for a rival in the general election.
Takaichi appointed Yana as agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister in a cabinet reshuffle.
Takaichi discussed her household responsibilities and the time spent by Japanese prime ministers attending parliamentary sessions.
The Mainichi newspaper reported that Takaichi had decided to replace Yana.
- Prime minister
- Sanae Takaichi
- Agriculture minister
- Kazuo Yana
- Government approval
- 51%, down 2 percentage points from the previous month
- NHK poll
- 78% said Yana’s explanation was unacceptable
- Proposed tax measure
- Temporary consumption-tax cut on food and drinks
- Takaichi's household responsibilities
- 3 to 4 additional hours a day