Japan’s farm minister Taku Eto resigned on Wednesday after his weekend comments about not needing to buy rice due to ample donations sparked public outrage amidst soaring rice prices in the country.
Eto had stated he “never bought rice myself because my supporters donate so much to me that I can practically sell it,” a remark that deeply offended a public struggling with nearly doubled rice prices compared to April 2024.
The price surge is attributed to factors like poor harvests from hot weather in 2023, panic-buying spurred by a “megaquake” warning, and a tourism boom.
The government’s efforts to lower prices by releasing emergency rice reserves have had little success.
Junya Ogawa, secretary-general of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, condemned Eto’s comments as “extremely inappropriate, out of touch and intolerable.”
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose approval ratings are suffering due to high food prices, called the remarks “extremely unfortunate,” emphasizing that the minister’s job was to “provide solutions to the soaring rice prices.”
Opposition parties reportedly threatened a no-confidence motion against Ishiba’s minority government, which faces tough upper house elections in July.
On Monday, Eto attempted to retract his comments, claiming he had exaggerated and that his wife had corrected him, confirming she does buy rice when donated stockpiles run out.
However, on Wednesday, Eto resigned, telling reporters he did so after “very tough words” from the Prime Minister.
Ishiba later stated he “approved his resignation from the viewpoint that agriculture policy cannot stop functioning,” and apologized to the Japanese people, taking responsibility for the appointment.
He acknowledged that high rice prices are a “structural” issue requiring “thorough discussions” and a reduction.
Ishiba named Shinjiro Koizumi, a former environment minister and son of former premier Junichiro Koizumi, as Eto’s successor, expecting him to demonstrate “strong leadership amid soaring rice prices.”
A 68-year-old Tokyo restaurant worker, Kyoko Sato, expressed her shock and disappointment, stating she can afford “just one portion of rice for a Sunday meal” at home and relies on meals at work to get by, as her pension alone is insufficient.
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