Takebe Named Agriculture Minister, Succeeding Scandal-Hit Yana
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appointed Arata Takebe as the new agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister on Thursday, the day after his predecessor tendered his resignation to take responsibility for a series of scandals.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Thursday that Arata Takebe will assume the role of agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister, succeeding Kazuo Yana, who resigned amid scandals. Takebe, a former state minister in the same portfolio, replaces Yana, who was effectively removed from his position after a weekly magazine published reports about budget cuts and alleged violations of election laws.
Takaichi praised Takebe's expertise in the sector, stating that she believes he is ready to take on the responsibilities immediately. The new minister emphasized his commitment to advancing cutting-edge technologies and strengthening the supply of agricultural products. He also expressed his intention to earn public trust following the scandals that affected his predecessor.
Takebe, who is the son of Tsutomu Takebe, a former secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, has been elected six times to the lower house's Hokkaido Constituency No. 12. Yana's dismissal is seen as a move to restore stability and allow the government to focus on key policy areas, including a bill to cut the consumption tax rate for food items and introduce a cash benefit system.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
