TOKYO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Embattled Japanese farm minister Kazuo Yana has decided to resign, Kyodo News reported Wednesday.
Yana has come under fire for controversies over his past remarks and conduct, including suggesting that road budgets had been sharply cut for local municipalities whose mayors did not support him in the February general election.
Yana joined the cabinet for the first time when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reshuffled her cabinet on Sept. 17, and is stepping down after less than a month in office.
He was also among the ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers disciplined over a high-profile political slush fund scandal that came to light in late 2023 and dealt the party a heavy blow.
Kyodo News said the resignation marks a setback for Takaichi, who is set to mark a year in office later this month. ■
