Japan farm minister Yana resigns in first Takaichi cabinet blow

· Politics · Japan

Japanese farm minister Kazuo Yana stepped down on Wednesday after coming under fire for remarks about cutting road funding for municipalities that did not support him, becoming the first minister in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government to resign. There were also allegations he breached election laws. A new farm minister will be announced on October 15. The sudden exit deals a blow to Takaichi's administration, with key bills involving his ministry being debated in parliament. Takaichi, a self-described workaholic, also said housework makes her busier than male predecessors.

Why it matters：A cabinet resignation weakens Takaichi just as her government pushes key legislation through parliament.

Key points

  • Yana resigned over remarks about cutting road funding.
  • He also faced election-law allegations.
  • A new farm minister will be announced October 15.

Sources (original reporting)

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