Japan's farm minister quits after a month amid scandals
Japan's farm minister, Kazuo Yana, quit on Wednesday after a string of scandals, The Japan Times and NHK reported. He had been in the job for only about one month. He is the first minister to leave Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Cabinet.
Japan's agriculture minister, Kazuo Yana, resigned on Wednesday evening after a series of scandals, The Japan Times, NHK World and Kyodo News reported.
He quit just a month after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi named him to her Cabinet, The Japan Times reported. It is the first time a minister has resigned from Takaichi's Cabinet, NHK World reported.
"I submitted my resignation because I can't continue to create more trouble with parliamentary deliberations," Yana told reporters, The Japan Times reported. He said he also wanted to avoid a situation where he could no longer focus on farm policy.
Yana came under fire for remarks he made at a gathering in his home area of Tochigi in May, NHK World reported. He said he had sharply cut road budgets for two municipalities led by mayors who did not support him.
He later took back the remarks and apologized, NHK World reported. He said he had not actually pushed the ministry to make those cuts.
Yana also faced questions about free bus rides for his supporters during past election campaigns, Kyodo News reported. The weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun first reported the bus rides, which may have broken election law.
On Tuesday, Yana told lawmakers his camp had handled the matter "appropriately in accordance with the law," Kyodo News reported. On Wednesday, he appeared to back away from that claim.
Kyodo News said Takaichi had effectively dismissed him as the scandals threatened her plans.
Takaichi expressed regret and said she takes her responsibility for appointing Yana "very seriously," NHK World reported. She said the government must now focus on big tasks, including a consumption tax bill and the budget.
The exit comes as lawmakers debate a bill to cut the tax on food from 8% to 1% for two years starting next April, The Japan Times reported. Major opposition parties oppose the plan.
A successor is set to be announced on Thursday, Kyodo News reported.
What we know: Yana quit after a month amid scandals over road budget remarks and free bus rides.
What we don't: Who will replace him, and whether the bus rides broke election law.
Where outlets agree NHK World and Kyodo News both report that Yana faced pressure over remarks about cutting road budgets for two municipalities.
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.