News
Japan’s agriculture minister resigns after saying he doesn’t buy rice because he gets it free
“I made an extremely inappropriate remark at a time when consumers are struggling with soaring rice prices,” Eto told reporters after handing in his resignation at the prime minister’s office.
Taku Eto, Japan’s Agriculture Minister, resigned on Wednesday after public backlash over a remark in which he claimed he doesn’t buy rice because he receives it as gifts — a statement deemed insensitive amid record-high rice prices.
Key Points:
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Speaking at a seminar in Saga prefecture on Sunday, Eto said he “never had to buy rice” as supporters give him rice.
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The comment drew heavy criticism amid a nationwide rice shortage and price surge.
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Eto admitted his remark was “extremely inappropriate” and announced his resignation, which was accepted by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
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He later retracted the comment, claiming he does, in fact, buy rice.
Political Fallout:
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The resignation comes at a sensitive time for Ishiba’s minority government, just ahead of a national election in July.
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Opposition parties had threatened a no-confidence motion if Eto didn’t step down voluntarily.
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Media reports suggest that Shinjiro Koizumi, a popular former environment minister, is likely to succeed Eto.
Rice Crisis Background:
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Japan’s rice supply has been strained since August 2024, worsened by panic buying, poor harvests due to extreme heat, and rising production costs.
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Despite recent government efforts, including the release of emergency stockpiles, shortages and high prices persist.
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Critics partly blame long-term government rice policies for the crisis.