Japan's farm minister resigns, the first to leave Takaichi's cabinet

Kazuo Yana stepped down on Oct 14 over remarks about cutting road funding for municipalities that did not support him. He confirmed an audio clip linking cuts in two municipalities to their support for a rival in February's election.

"I am the one who made the appointment. Responsibility for appointing him rests upon me, the prime minister."

— Sanae Takaichi, prime minister of Japan

Found the minister's explanation unacceptable

78 %

In a poll this week, 78 per cent of respondents found Yana's explanation unacceptable. Support for Takaichi's cabinet fell two points to 51 per cent.

What's next

Takaichi said Yana's replacement would be named on Oct 15. She is seeking parliament's approval for a temporary sales tax cut on food and beverages, in an upper house where her coalition lacks a majority.