Politics · Japan · 2 days ago
Japan farm minister faces renewed scrutiny over remarks and campaign claims
Japan’s Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana is facing renewed scrutiny over his conduct.
A weekly magazine said he used offensive language about a journalist’s questions during a visit to earthquake-hit Kumamoto Prefecture.
Yana said he could not clearly recall making the remarks and said he had intended to apologize because questions about his political activities took time during the visit.
He has also faced criticism over reports that he said road budgets were cut for two municipalities whose mayors did not support him in an election.
The magazine further alleged that he provided free bus rides to supporters during the 2024 and 2026 House of Representatives elections, which could violate election law.
Yana said he would check the facts and explain later.
Prime Minister Takaichi said she intends to keep him in his post.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yana faced renewed scrutiny over reported remarks about a journalist and the alleged provision of free campaign buses.
Yana said he could not clearly recall making the reported remarks during a visit to earthquake-hit Kumamoto Prefecture.
He said he would confirm the facts about the bus transportation claims and explain them later.
The allegations follow reports that Yana said road budgets were cut for two municipalities whose mayors did not support him in the February general election.
Prime Minister Takaichi reiterated that she intends to keep Yana in his post.
- Who
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yana is facing scrutiny; Prime Minister Takaichi has said she intends to keep him in office.
- What
- Reports raised claims about Yana’s remarks criticizing a journalist’s questions and free bus transportation for supporters during election campaigns.
- When
- The report was published on October 9, 2026; the alleged remarks were made during a visit the previous Saturday.
- Where
- The reported remarks were made during a visit to Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- The claims prompted renewed scrutiny of Yana’s conduct, including allegations that free campaign buses may have violated the public offices act.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I could not clearly recall making the remarks
at a later time
Yana allegedly told constituency supporters that road budgets had been drastically cut for two municipalities whose mayors did not support him in the February general election.
Shukan Bunshun alleged Yana provided supporters with free bus transportation while campaigning in the House of Representatives elections.
Yana was appointed to the Cabinet.
Yana visited Kumamoto Prefecture, where he was alleged to have criticized a journalist’s questions.
Yana said he could not clearly recall making the reported remarks and would later explain the bus claims.
- Minister
- Kazuo Yana
- Portfolio
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
- Reported remarks location
- Kumamoto Prefecture
- Alleged campaign years
- 2024 and 2026
- Published
- October 9, 2026
Sources
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