September 20, 2026

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yana Kazuo has in the past made discriminatory remarks suggesting that sexual minorities, such as the LGBTQ+ community, go against “the preservation of the species.”

Asked about this issue by reporters on September 18, Yana said, “I will refrain from commenting,” and showed no remorse for his previous remarks. Asked about his current understanding of the situation facing sexual minorities, Yana again refused to answer, claiming that the matter falls outside the ministry’s scope.

During a Liberal Democratic Party meeting in 2021 regarding the promotion of understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, Yana reportedly stated, “Biologically speaking, it goes against the preservation of the species. It defies the very foundations of biology.”

Past related articles:
> Koike criticizes LDP as being irresponsible in regard to anti-LGBTQ remarks frequently made by LDP Dietmembers [January 8, 2019]
> LDP lawmaker: Having same-sex relationship is like having a hobby [August 3, 2018]