Politics · Japan · 1 hr ago
Opposition calls on Japan’s farm minister to resign over scandals
Japan’s opposition Democratic Reform Party has called on Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana to resign.
The call came after Yana made remarks about cutting road budgets for municipalities whose leaders did not support him in a past election.
He later withdrew the remarks and apologized, but said he would not resign.
Yana also faces a newly reported allegation that he provided free shuttle rides to supporters during past elections, which could violate election law.
The controversy adds to scrutiny of Yana, who was disciplined over a political slush fund scandal.
Members of the ruling party have also said he should explain his remarks, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is due to attend budget committee sessions starting Tuesday.
An opposition party leader said he would decide whether to seek a censure motion after hearing Yana’s explanation; such a motion is not legally binding, even if passed.
Democratic Reform Party Secretary General Takeshi Shina called on farm minister Kazuo Yana to resign over remarks about cutting road budgets for municipalities whose leaders did not support him.
Shina said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi should dismiss Yana if he did not step down voluntarily.
Yana retracted the remarks and apologized but ruled out resigning.
Yana also faces a newly reported allegation that he provided free shuttle bus rides to supporters during past lower house elections, potentially violating election law.
Some lawmakers in the ruling camp have called for Yana to explain his remarks, while opposition parties are considering a censure motion.
- Who
- Farm minister Kazuo Yana is facing calls to resign from Democratic Reform Party Secretary General Takeshi Shina.
- What
- Shina urged Yana to resign over remarks about road budgets and a newly reported allegation concerning free shuttle rides for supporters.
- When
- Shina made the call on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
- Where
- Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan.
- Why
- Shina said Yana's road-budget remarks amounted to voter intimidation; Yana also faces an allegation of providing supporters with free rides during past lower house elections.
Takeshi Shina and the opposition
Kazuo Yana
Resignation
Takeshi Shina and the opposition
Shina said Yana must step down voluntarily or be dismissed by the prime minister.
Kazuo Yana
Yana apologized for and retracted his remarks but ruled out resigning.
Road-budget remarks
Takeshi Shina and the opposition
Shina said the remarks amounted to voter intimidation, whether or not Yana asked the ministry to cut funding.
Kazuo Yana
Yana has apologized and retracted the remarks; the article does not state his view on Shina's characterization.
A high-profile political slush fund scandal surfaced, and Yana was among LDP lawmakers disciplined over it.
The Takaichi administration was launched.
Takaichi called Yana her right-hand man on agricultural policy during campaigning for the general election.
Yana was appointed agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister.
Shina called on Yana to resign in Morioka.
Two days of House of Representatives Budget Committee sessions were scheduled, during which Yana was expected to explain his remarks.
- Minister
- Kazuo Yana
- Opposition party
- Democratic Reform Party
- Call to resign made in
- Morioka, Iwate Prefecture
- Call made on
- Oct. 12, 2026
- Scheduled committee sessions
- Two days, starting Tuesday
- Potential motion
- A censure motion against Yana could pass if submitted, according to political pundits.
What people are saying
He must step down voluntarily. If he does not resign, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi should dismiss him.
It is important for politicians to take responsibility for their own words and actions and explain them
We cannot act as if nothing happened.
Sources
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