``It's not a matter of just resigning.'' Some are questioning Prime Minister Takaichi's responsibility for appointing Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yan Yan, an expert says.

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yan has resigned. ``It's not a matter of just quitting,'' and ``We need to explain it carefully.'' Experts criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for not urging her to resign, in addition to comments such as the mayor's statement that he had "significantly cut" the budgets of local governments that supported his opponent.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yan submits resignation, first blow to Prime Minister Takaichi after inauguration of government after suspicion of violation of public election law

Political analyst Atsuo Ito takes issue with Yan's inquiry to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism about the road budgets of two municipalities whose mayors did not support him. "They are clearly putting pressure on him. If he tried to cut the budget just to settle a personal grudge, it would be a denial of democracy. This is not a case where he can just resign as a minister."

Prime Minister Takaichi is also the target of criticism. ``The appointment is a heavy responsibility.The prime minister deliberately let Mr. Yan, a secretly financed lawmaker, join the cabinet and did not let him resign even after the scandal came to light.The prime minister should give a thorough explanation in the Diet and at press conferences.''

Political commentator Harumi Arima said, ``Of course he should resign.He should have been forced to resign as soon as his remarks about ``budget cuts'' became clear.'' ``The minister needs to allocate the budget fairly, and it has become clear that he lacks the qualifications to do so.''