Tokyo, Oct. 15 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering appointing Arata Takebe of her ruling Liberal Democratic Party as Japan’s new agriculture minister to replace embattled Kazuo Yana, informed sources said Thursday. An attestation ceremony for Takebe, 56, a former state minister of agriculture, is expected to be held at the Imperial Palace from 5:30 p.m. the same day. After informing Takebe of her plan at a meeting at the prime minister’s office, Takaichi told reporters that she believed he would be able to contribute immediately, including in handling parliamentary affairs. “Agricultural administration is at a critical juncture, and I will fulfill the heavy responsibilities of the post,” Takebe said. He also said that it is necessary to promote policies that ensure fairness. On Wednesday, Yana resigned as agriculture minister following a series of scandals, including his inappropriate remarks that road budgets had been significantly reduced for municipalities whose mayors did not support him in an election. Takebe has been elected to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, six times. His father, Tsutomu, once served as secretary-general of the LDP and agriculture minister. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
