``Pleasant remarks'' ``Of course he should resign'' Anger and distrust from local voters - Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yan resigns in Tochigi

Voters in the Tochigi 3rd Ward of the House of Representatives, the hometown of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yan (47), who resigned, criticized him one after another, including ``palliative remarks'' and ``It's only natural that he should resign.''

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

Nasukarasuyama City, Tochigi Prefecture, has been named as a destination for "budget cuts." A 63-year-old man who works in an industrial area where city road widening work has been postponed due to this year's road budget cut, said, ``I'm in trouble because it's dangerous for trucks to pass each other.If the budget cuts that I made because of my comments are true, that's unacceptable.'' He can't control his anger. "Using the budget as a shield to threaten people is palliative and betrays the expectations of the local community," he said.

A 43-year-old woman who runs an orchard in the city said, ``It was reassuring to see the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries come from the local area, but it's disappointing. His resignation after less than a month is embarrassing for the local community, too.'' She added, ``I'm sure there were people in the cities and towns that were named who voted for Mr. Yan. Did their faces never come to mind?''

"It's bad news and has become known nationwide," said a 61-year-old office worker from Nakagawa, the same prefecture who was also named. He said in a harsh tone that Yan's comments crossed the line, saying, ``This is a natural resignation.''

Criticism was also voiced from Otawara City, the same prefecture where Yan has a local office. A 61-year-old office worker was furious, saying, ``It's a shame for the local community.'' He added, ``If they were cutting the budget, it would be legally wrong, and if they were just trying to make themselves look bigger, then they're liars.'' Regarding Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's response, he said with a sigh, ``I should have forced him to resign sooner.''

Shinya Goto, 51, who runs a restaurant in front of City Hall, said, ``They haven't been able to fulfill their accountability.I think they were just waiting for the dust to cool down.'' ``I want a proper explanation,'' he said.

A 58-year-old rice farmer from the city said he has supported Yan by participating in his campaign launch ceremonies in the 2024 and February elections for the House of Representatives. ``All I can say is that it's disappointing. Discussions on agricultural policy have stalled,'' he said disappointedly.

An 80-year-old Liberal Democratic Party member from Nasu town in the same prefecture, where the town's mayor came to support Mr. Yan, said he was ``really happy'' about his first appointment to the cabinet about a month ago, but said, ``I have no choice but to step down.''