rki.news | Source: Xinhua
TOKYO, Oct. 12 – A Japanese opposition party on Monday urged Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana to resign over remarks on road funding cuts and a separate election-law allegation, local media reported.
Takeshi Shina, secretary general of the Democratic Reform Party, said Yana should resign or be dismissed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Kyodo News reported.
Yana reportedly told supporters in May that 2026 road budgets were cut for Nasukarasuyama City and Nakagawa Town after their mayors withheld support in February’s House of Representatives election.
Shina called the remarks voter intimidation, regardless of whether Yana directly requested the cuts.
Yana acknowledged making the remarks last week, apologised and retracted them, but refused to resign. Takaichi has ruled out dismissing him.
The minister also faces allegations of violating election law by providing free shuttle rides to supporters during previous lower house elections.
Appointed last month, Yana was previously disciplined by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party over a political slush fund scandal that emerged in late 2023.
Six opposition parties are considering a censure motion against him in the upper house.
Japan Opposition Urges Farm Minister to Resign Over Scandals
