Key facts
- New farm minister Arata Takebe to verify alleged illegal donation.
- Donation of 300,000 yen reportedly made on October 15, 2024.
- Company involved in public works allegedly made the donation.
- Takebe stated he was unaware of the company's public works engagement.
Japan's new farm minister, Arata Takebe, stated on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, that he would investigate reports alleging his political office received a donation from a company engaged in public works. The donation, amounting to 300,000 yen, was reportedly made on October 15, 2024, during the official campaign period for the lower house election. This alleged violation of the public offices election law, which prohibits such donations from entities with government contracts, comes shortly after Takebe's appointment last Thursday. Takebe, who replaced Kazuo Yana amid similar allegations, said he was unaware of the company's public works status at the time of the donation and has instructed that the funds be returned or the report corrected.