New farm minister apologizes

Agriculture minister Arata Takebe apologized for allegedly receiving a political donation from a public works contractor during election campaigning.

“I instructed relevant officials to promptly investigate the facts and take action to return the money or correct the political funds disclosure report accordingly”

Donation reported

Bunshun Online reported a district branch of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Hokkaido headed by Takebe received a political donation from a local contractor engaged in national public works.

Donation timing

The donation was made on the first day of official campaigning for the 2014 election of the House of Representatives, potentially violating the public offices election law.

Takebe's explanation

Takebe said he didn't know the company had won a national public works project at the time the donation was received.

“I didn't know the company had won a national public works project at the time the donation was received”

Takebe's appointment

Takebe took office only last week, succeeding Kazuo Yana who resigned on Oct. 14 over remarks on cutting municipal budgets and free shuttle buses for supporters.

Prime Minister's instruction

After the Bunshun Online report, Takebe said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed him to confirm facts and provide a proper report.