Prime Minister Takaichi Rebukes Minister Yana Over Budget Threats

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi harshly rebuked Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yana on October 13, describing his comments regarding regional budget cuts as inappropriate and really lame. The controversy follows claims that Yana reduced road budgets for Nakagawa Town and Nasukarasuyama City in Tochigi Prefecture because local leaders did not support him during the February 2026 general election.

Yana denied requesting actual budget reductions and apologized for the impression his words created, though he admitted to discussing budget matters at several political gatherings. Takaichi stated that budgets should never be cut based on support for the Liberal Democratic Party and noted she would consider whether Yana should continue to administer government affairs based on his accountability.

Opposition lawmakers from Komeito and the Democratic Reform Association have demanded Yana's dismissal, arguing that using public funds to reward political loyalty undermines democracy. In a separate matter, Education Minister Seki apologized for organizing an illegal political fundraising party within a House of Representatives office building.