Japan’s Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yana has resigned from the Cabinet following a series of controversies over his past remarks and actions, becoming the first minister to step down under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration.

Yana’s resignation came after growing criticism over remarks he made to supporters in May, in which he reportedly said that road budget allocations for two municipalities that did not support him in the February House of Representatives election had been significantly reduced for the 2026 fiscal year.

The comments triggered widespread criticism, with opposition lawmakers accusing him of attempting to intimidate voters by linking public funding decisions to political support.

A weekly magazine report published last week also raised questions over Yana’s past election campaign activities, claiming that free shuttle bus services were provided for supporters during his previous lower house election campaigns.

The practice was criticized as potentially violating Japan’s Public Offices Election Act, prompting further calls from opposition parties for his resignation.

Prime Minister Takaichi had initially indicated that Yana would remain in office, but pressure from opposition parties increased as criticism continued.

Speaking at a House of Representatives Budget Committee session, Takaichi described Yana’s remarks as “extremely inappropriate” and said she would not hesitate to remove him if any illegality was confirmed.

Yana had previously received disciplinary action from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) over a major political funding scandal. Despite this, he was appointed as agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister during a September Cabinet reshuffle.

His resignation represents a setback for Prime Minister Takaichi’s government, which is facing a challenging parliamentary period while seeking support for key policy initiatives.

Takaichi said she accepted responsibility for appointing Yana and that a replacement minister would be announced.(ILKHA)