Takaichi Appoints Arata Takebe as Japan's New Farm Minister

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appointed Arata Takebe as the country's new agriculture minister, seeking to limit disruption to her government's agenda after the departure of scandal-hit lawmaker Kazuo Yana a day earlier, Kyodo News reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appointed Arata Takebe as agriculture minister on October 15, following the departure of his predecessor, Kazuo Yana. [Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Takaichi selected Takebe, a ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker and former senior vice minister of agriculture, citing his policy expertise and parliamentary experience.

The appointment comes as the government seeks to advance its legislative agenda, including a bill to temporarily reduce the consumption tax, during a 69-day extraordinary session of the Diet, Japan's parliament, scheduled to run through December 12.

Takaichi told reporters at her office that she expected Takebe to be able to begin work immediately, including in handling parliamentary affairs.

The prime minister's decision followed Yana's departure amid growing scrutiny of his conduct in his constituency.

Reports included controversy over remarks concerning budget allocations for local governments and allegations involving possible election-related misconduct. Opposition parties had also been preparing to submit a censure motion against Yana in the House of Councillors, where the ruling coalition lacks a majority.

Takebe's appointment is intended to stabilize the agriculture ministry as the government works on legislation and other policy priorities.

His experience in agricultural administration is expected to help him take up the role without a prolonged transition.

The appointment does not, by itself, resolve the wider political questions raised by the controversy surrounding Yana. The administration may continue to face scrutiny over ministerial accountability and the conduct of ruling-party lawmakers.