The Lower House Budget Committee opened basic questioning with Prime Minister Takaichi and all ministers present, but coverage narrowed to farm minister Yan Kazuo. Pressed over alleged threats to cut road budgets and over free shuttle buses for supporters, Yan apologized for his language, said he had no record or memory of details, and acknowledged a ministry support team. Criticism came even from ruling-party questioners, while opposition leader Tamaki urged a decision. Takaichi called the remarks inappropriate and really lame, said she wanted a one-on-one meeting and a phone report Tuesday night, and left dismissal open if illegality was found.

Separately, the Kyushu Shinkansen was halted from first trains over pantograph and overhead-wire damage. Resumption slipped to evening, with only the Hakata-Kumamoto down line restored and Kumamoto to Kagoshima-Chuo suspended for the day.