Japan's agriculture minister denies seeking road budget cuts amid parliamentary scrutiny
In short
Japanese Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana (簗和生) acknowledged that his road budget remarks were inappropriate but denied asking for reductions during parliamentary questioning on October 13. He also faced questions about free shuttle buses for supporters during election campaigning.
Read the full story 1 min read
Japanese Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana (簗和生) acknowledged during October 13 lower-house budget committee questioning that his remarks about road budget cuts were inappropriate, Nikkei reported. He again denied asking the transport ministry to reduce allocations. Nippon TV reported that lawmakers from his own Liberal Democratic Party also criticised the remarks and that he apologised. [ 4 , 5 ]
According to Nikkei, Yana said at a party meeting in May that he had substantially cut road budgets for Nasukarasuyama and Nakagawa in Tochigi prefecture. The outlet reported that the two municipalities' leaders had not supported him in the February lower-house election. For projects led by the municipalities, national budget allocations for fiscal 2026 were lower than in the previous year, Nikkei reported. Yana said he had not requested reductions. [ 4 ]
The minister also acknowledged arranging free shuttle buses during election campaigning, saying they accommodated elderly supporters and were necessary for venue operations. He denied that the arrangements amounted to providing benefits or donations and said staff had checked with election officials. Nikkei reported that an opposition parliamentary group said it had asked election officials and was told no inquiry had been made by Yana's side. [ 4 , 5 ]
Six upper-house opposition parties were considering a censure motion, TBS NEWS DIG reported. Yana said he would continue explaining the matter and respond sincerely. Nikkei quoted Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi saying she would not hesitate if there were unlawful conduct and that she wanted further explanations about the bus arrangements. Mainichi reported that Iwate's governor called for neutral administration regardless of which party a region supported. [ 3 , 4 , 6 ]
Why it matters
Six opposition parties in the upper house were considering a censure motion over the budget remarks. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she would not hesitate if there were unlawful conduct and sought further explanations from the minister, Nikkei reported.
Key facts
- Yana denied asking the transport ministry to reduce road budgets. [ 4 , 5 ]
- Six upper-house opposition parties were considering a censure motion. [ 3 ]
- Yana said staff had checked arrangements for free shuttle buses with election officials; Nikkei reported that an opposition group received an answer saying no inquiry had been made. [ 4 , 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether Yana's staff consulted election officials about the shuttle buses is disputed. Yana said staff had checked beforehand, while Nikkei reported an opposition group's account that election officials said there had been no inquiry.
- The minister's future remains under discussion. Nikkei reported that Takaichi sought further explanations and indicated possible dismissal if legal problems were established.