Japan’s agriculture minister, Taku Eto, stepped down on Wednesday after a flippant remark about never purchasing rice ignited criticism in a country grappling with sharply rising food prices, as per Al Jazeera.
Eto’s comment came during a weekend seminar for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). He told attendees that he had “never bought rice” because supporters donated so much that he could “practically sell it.” The statement drew immediate backlash from the public and opposition lawmakers, who said the minister appeared oblivious to the hardship facing households amid soaring rice costs.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Eto confirmed he had tendered his resignation after “very tough words” from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Addressing Japan’s upper house later in the day, Ishiba said he accepted the resignation “so that agricultural policy can continue to function” and apologized for appointing Eto. The prime minister called the gaffe “extremely unfortunate.”
Rice prices in Japan have nearly doubled since April 2024, driven by poor harvests after record heat, panic buying following last year’s “megaquake” warning, and increased demand from a tourism surge. The government has tapped emergency grain reserves to stabilize prices, but with limited success.
Opposition figures, including Junya Ogawa of the Constitutional Democratic Party, labeled Eto’s remark “out of touch and intolerable.” Pressure mounted this week, with opposition parties threatening a no-confidence motion against Ishiba’s minority government.
Eto attempted to soften the fallout on Monday, claiming he had exaggerated and that his wife occasionally bought rice when donations ran out. The explanation failed to quell public anger.
Following the resignation, Ishiba appointed former environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, as the new agriculture minister. Koizumi, known for his media savvy and as the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, is expected to take charge of efforts to curb food inflation ahead of national elections in July.
