Agriculture Minister Yana Resigns, Takaichi Accepts Responsibility

Oct 15, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yana submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the evening of October 14 over a controversy involving shuttle buses and other issues, prompting Takaichi to acknowledge her responsibility for appointing him and announce plans to name a successor on October 15.

Yana offered his resignation after concluding that the controversy had disrupted parliamentary deliberations and created difficulties for the government.

Takaichi accepted the resignation, saying the situation could no longer be allowed to interfere with the work of the agriculture ministry or the Diet.

"It is unacceptable for a situation to continue in which the minister cannot concentrate on agricultural, forestry and fisheries administration, let alone parliamentary deliberations," Takaichi said. "With important issues such as budget formulation requiring decisions one by one, I have decided to accept Minister Yana's offer to resign."

The prime minister also acknowledged her responsibility for the appointment, saying she takes seriously the circumstances that led to the minister's departure.

Takaichi called on Yana to fulfill his responsibility to explain the circumstances surrounding the controversy, indicating that his resignation does not remove the need for public accountability.

Regarding the appointment of a new agriculture minister, Takaichi said arrangements were still being finalized and indicated that she intended to announce her choice on October 15.

The resignation comes as the government faces important decisions on budget formulation and agricultural policy, with Takaichi emphasizing the need to ensure that the ministry can concentrate on its administrative responsibilities without further disruption.

Source: TBS

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