Japan's agriculture minister resigns over rice remarks
Japanese Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned after a controversy erupted over his statement that he never buys rice because he receives it for free from his supporters. His remarks came at a time when the country is struggling with a significant increase in the price of this essential food product.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, upon accepting the resignation, described the minister's remark as "extremely inappropriate" and apologized to the public for the unfortunate choice of Eto for the position.
The controversy began during a public appearance on Sunday when the minister admitted that he never buys rice because he gets so much from his supporters that he simply has an excess supply and could even sell it, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.
The minister apologized for his "exceptionally inappropriate" statements.
I asked myself whether it is appropriate for me to stay at the helm (of the ministry) at a critical time for rice prices, and I concluded that it is not, said Eto, as quoted by the Kyodo agency.
The average price of rice sold in supermarkets in the week leading up to May 11 reached a record level of 4,268 yen (approximately 27 U.S. dollars) for 11 pounds, which represents an increase from 4,214 yen in the previous week and about a twofold increase compared to the price a year ago. This surge is occurring despite a decision in February to gradually release 210,000 tons of rice—one-fifth of the entire reserve—into the market by July.
Food crisis in Japan. Prime minister under fire
Eto's resignation further burdened Prime Minister Ishiba, whose government faces heavy criticism from the opposition for lacking a strategy to manage the food crisis. According to the latest Kyodo polls, 87% of Japanese people are dissatisfied with how the government is handling the current situation.
The new agriculture minister is Shinjiro Koizumi. This 44-year-old politician, son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, is a popular figure in the country. He previously served as the environment minister.
