Japan Agriculture Minister inspects earthquake and flood damage

Japanese Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana conducted inspections of disaster-stricken areas following recent earthquakes and heavy rains. In Kumamoto Prefecture, Yana visited the Yatsushiro region to assess damage to the local igusa (rush grass) industry. Representatives from the JA Yatsushiro Igusa Division reported that 46 workshops collapsed and approximately 450 specialized machines used for weaving tatami mats were damaged. Yana expressed a commitment to supporting producers to ensure the continuity of farming activities.

In Ishikawa Prefecture, Yana inspected areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rainfall. During the visit, he stated that the national government intends to do everything possible to assist victims who reported shortages of funds and personnel. When questioned during a press conference regarding controversial remarks he allegedly made about cutting road budgets for municipalities that do not support the Liberal Democratic Party, Yana declined to comment, stating he would only address matters related to the inspection.