Japanese Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana notified Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on October 14, 2026, of his decision to resign. This move became inevitable amid mounting pressure from the public and political opponents, driven by severe accusations of cutting road budgets for non-compliant municipalities and violating electoral laws.
Background of the Political Crisis
Mr. Yana, appointed during a cabinet reshuffle in September of last year, became the first member of Prime Minister Takaichi's cabinet to step down due to scandals. The controversy erupted following reports that the minister told supporters about a sharp reduction in road budgets for two municipalities in Tochigi Prefecture, whose mayors had previously supported Yana's opponent in the House of Representatives election in February 2026.
Core Accusations and Admissions
The statement was made at a Liberal Democratic Party meeting in May 2026. On October 5, Mr. Yana admitted making the remark but later retracted it and apologized. The Agriculture Minister is also suspected of violating the Public Offices Election Act by providing free bus transportation for supporters traveling to campaign events.
Contradictory Data
The situation developed controversially: as late as October 8, Prime Minister Takaichi confirmed her desire to keep Mr. Yana in office. However, on October 13, she admitted for the first time the possibility of his replacement. Additionally, Yana had previously been penalized and suspended from party posts for failing to fully disclose fundraising income.
Consequences for the Cabinet
Kazuo Yana's departure deals a significant reputational blow to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Notably, Yana lost the direct House of Representatives election in Tochigi Prefecture in February 2026 but secured a seat via proportional representation. The government must now urgently find a replacement.
