Scandal-hit agriculture minister Yana announces resignation
By Eric Johnston, STAFF WRITER
October 14, 2026
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Kazuo Yana, the scandal-plagued agriculture minister, announced his resignation on Wednesday evening, citing a desire to avoid further disruptions to parliamentary deliberations, particularly regarding a controversial bill to reduce the food consumption tax.
His sudden departure, just a month after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appointed him, leaves the administration without a key ally. It comes amidst intense debate on the consumption tax support bill and other crucial legislative items before the Diet's current session ends on December 12.
"I submitted my resignation because I can't continue to create more trouble with parliamentary deliberations," Yana said. "I also felt that I needed to avoid a situation where I'd no longer be able to concentrate on (my ministerial duties) for agricultural, forestry, and fisheries administration."
Takaichi accepted Yana's resignation, acknowledging the busy parliamentary schedule and the need for him to focus on other critical issues.
Yana's troubles began with remarks he made to supporters in May about cutting road budgets for two towns in Tochigi Prefecture whose mayors didn't back him in the February Lower House election. He later apologized and retracted his comments.
Further allegations arose in January regarding his alleged violation of the Public Offices Election Law by providing free shuttle buses for supporters at a campaign event.
The minister's resignation threatens to disrupt parliamentary debate on key bills, prompting Takaichi to consider a replacement before discussions shift to the Upper House on Friday, where the opposition holds the majority.