Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yan Yan says he will cut road budget, reports say, government is investigating

On the 30th, Bunshun Online reported that the Liberal Democratic Party's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Kazuo Yan, said at a social gathering of the party's branch held in his hometown of Tochigi Prefecture in May before he took office, ``The road budget for 2026 for Nasukarasuyama City and Nakagawa Town (in the same prefecture) has been significantly cut.'' Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference that Mr. Yan had reported that he had been interviewed, and said, ``Relevant ministries and agencies are investigating the matter, including whether it is true or not.''

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Yan told reporters in Fukushima City, ``I haven't seen the report, so I can't comment,'' and declined to provide an explanation.

According to Bunshun Online, Mr. Yan explained at the social gathering that the reason for the budget cut was, ``The leader took action (in the House of Representatives election) to say that he did not need LDP members.'' He also said he was dissatisfied with the number of votes he received in the two municipalities. He also reportedly said, ``If I leave the district, the budget will be completely cut.''

Yan lost to an independent candidate in February's House of Representatives election, but was revived and re-elected through proportional representation. ``Daily Shincho'' also reported similar remarks.