Japan Agriculture Minister Ryu Wase Resigns Over Alleged Vote-Buying; First Scandal Exit in Takaichi Cabinet

TREE NEWS update: Japanese Agriculture Minister Ryu Wase resigned Wednesday after being accused of possible vote-buying, becoming the first minister to quit over a scandal in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet. Takaichi, who accepted the resignation, told reporters the responsibility for the appointment was hers. She said her government must still address key challenges including a bill to cut the consumption tax, the situation in the Middle East, and budget compilation for responsible, proactive fiscal policy.