Japan farm minister Kazuo Yana resigns over funding remarks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 15:02 · Archive

Japanese farm minister Kazuo Yana has resigned after criticism for remarks about cutting road funding to municipalities.

Japanese farm minister Kazuo Yana stepped down after coming under fire for remarks about cutting road funding to municipalities that did not support him, becoming the first minister in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government to resign. The comments were first reported earlier this month.

Yana confirmed the authenticity of an audio clip in which he said one reason for budget cuts in two municipalities in his constituency was their support of a rival candidate in February's parliamentary election. He has since denied having the power to sway such budget decisions. His comment drew widespread criticism as an abuse of power.

Takaichi, who appointed Yana in a cabinet reshuffle last month, said she took responsibility for the appointment. Yana offered his resignation to avoid diverting attention from his agricultural policies. The resignation comes during an extraordinary parliamentary session in which Takaichi seeks approval for key policy goals including a temporary sales tax cut on food and beverages. Opposition parties in the upper house, where the ruling coalition lacks a majority, had prepared a censure motion against Yana and threatened to block debate on the sales tax legislation.

An opinion poll by public broadcaster NHK this week indicated 78 per cent of respondents thought Yana's explanation was unacceptable. Yana's replacement will be announced on Thursday.

How it is being reported

• Japan farm minister quits in first for Takaichi cabinetJapanese farm minister Kazuo Yana has resigned following criticism from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for his reported remarks over road funding.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 14:36
• Japan farm minister quits in first for Takaichi cabinetJapanese farm minister Kazuo Yana has resigned following criticism from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for his reported remarks over road funding.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 14:36

In this story: Kazuo Yana · Sanae Takaichi · Japan

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem