Arata Takebe appointed Japan Agriculture Minister

Arata Takebe has been appointed as Japan’s new Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, succeeding Kazuo Yanagi. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Takebe is an expert in agricultural administration and possesses the immediate capabilities required for the role.

Takebe, a six-term representative from Hokkaido’s 12th district, previously served as the LDP’s Agriculture and Forestry Division Chairman and Vice Minister. His appointment follows the removal of Yanagi, who faced controversy regarding inappropriate remarks about budget cuts and allegations of violating the Public Offices Election Act through illegal payments to campaign workers.

In his inaugural press conference, Takebe pledged to restore “fairness, transparency, and trust” to the ministry. He addressed several pressing issues, including the need to stabilize rice prices to ensure producers can reinvest, and the importance of protecting domestic production during negotiations regarding the import of American potatoes. He emphasized a firm stance against the introduction of pests that could harm domestic agriculture.