Japanese agriculture minister Kazuo Yana resigned from the cabinet on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, becoming the first minister to step down under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration amid a cascade of controversies over his past remarks and conduct. The resignation delivers a significant political blow to Takaichi, who is set to mark her first year in office later this month.

What triggered the resignation

Yana's position grew increasingly untenable following a series of damaging disclosures. According to media reports from late September, he allegedly told supporters in his constituency in May that fiscal 2026 road budgets had been sharply cut for two municipalities whose mayors did not back him in the House of Representatives election in February. The remarks drew widespread condemnation, with opposition lawmakers arguing they amounted to voter intimidation.

Separately, a weekly magazine reported last week that Yana had also arranged free shuttle bus rides for supporters during past lower house election campaigns — conduct that could potentially violate the Public Offices Election Act.

PM Takaichi's shifting stance

Initially, Takaichi had made clear that Yana would remain in his post. Her position shifted only after opposition parties intensified pressure for his removal. At a House of Representatives Budget Committee session on Tuesday, she described Yana's constituency budget remarks as 'deeply inappropriate' and stated she 'will not hesitate' to dismiss him 'if illegality is found' in his conduct. His resignation followed the next day.

Background: The LDP slush fund scandal

Yana's appointment had already attracted scrutiny before the latest controversies. He had previously been disciplined by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) over a high-profile political slush fund scandal that came to light in late 2023. Despite that disciplinary action, he was appointed minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries in a cabinet reshuffle in September, becoming one of the first sanctioned lawmakers to enter the cabinet since the scandal broke. Critics argued at the time that the appointment sent the wrong signal about accountability within the LDP.

Political fallout and what comes next

Japan's Mainichi Shimbun noted that Yana is the first minister to resign over scandals since the Takaichi administration took office, and suggested the prime minister could face questions over her judgement in making the appointment. A successor is expected to be announced on Thursday, according to reports. The episode risks compounding pressure on Takaichi at a delicate moment — her administration is navigating opposition scrutiny just as it approaches its first anniversary.