FOCUS: Fallout of scandal-hit minister's exit to linger in Japan Diet, haunt PM

TOKYO - The resignation of scandal-hit farm minister Kazuo Yana is unlikely to allow Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to return to politics as usual, with opposition parties set to capitalize on the turmoil and go after her for initially defending her appointee.

Takaichi appears to have decided to let Yana go to avoid further damage to her government and clear the way for parliamentary deliberations on key bills, including one to implement a consumption tax cut.