Japan’s agriculture minister Kazuo Yana resigns after allegations tied to remarks about cutting road funding to municipalities that did not support him in February’s general election. Multiple outlets report Yana tenders his resignation following media attention to claims of possible vote-buying and the impact of his comments on local budget decisions.
The fallout tests Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s early government. One report says the prime minister initially resisted calls for Yana to step down, while other coverage indicates she publicly distances herself from his comments—describing them as “really uncool.” CNA and other outlets refer to Yana confirming the authenticity of an audio clip in which he links the rationale for budget cuts in his constituency to political support for a rival candidate.
Outlets also note the political consequences inside parliament. Yana’s sudden exit is expected to disrupt legislative work, including bills associated with his ministry that are being debated. Several reports frame the resignation as the first major cabinet blow connected to the scandal for the Takaichi administration.
