Japan farm minister submits resignation in first scandal blow for PM Takaichi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has chosen to replace Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yana, a move reported by the Mainichi newspaper on Wednesday. Yana came under intense scrutiny for his remarks suggesting the reduction of road funding for municipalities that did not back him, leading to his eventual resignation. This marks the first resignation of Takaichi's administration, which has maintained a relatively high level of popularity since her appointment a year ago.

Takaichi's decision to dismiss Yana stemmed from the minister's controversial comments on road funding, which were reported by local media earlier this month. The resignation is occurring during an intense parliamentary session where Takaichi is battling to secure approval for crucial policy initiatives, such as a temporary reduction in sales tax for food and beverages.

Opposition parties in the upper house, where the ruling coalition does not hold a majority, are preparing a no-confidence motion against Yana, while some have threatened to obstruct debate on the sales tax legislation until he steps down.

Yana corroborated the authenticity of an audio recording, accessed by multiple local media outlets, in which he claimed that budget cuts in two municipalities under his jurisdiction were due to their support for a rival candidate in a February general election. He has since recanted his involvement in such budgetary decisions. Yana's comments sparked widespread criticism, with an NHK opinion poll indicating that 78% of respondents found his explanation unacceptable.

Despite this, Takaichi's cabinet support remained steady at 51%, according to the same poll. During questioning in parliament, Yana admitted to providing free transportation for supporters to attend his election rally, a practice that some lawmakers deemed a potential breach of election law.