Japan’s Agriculture Minister Resigns Over Controversial Rice Remarks

On Wednesday, May 21st, Japan’s Agriculture Minister, Takaku Eto, resigned following public outrage over his controversial statement regarding rice purchases. Eto claimed he had never needed to buy rice as he receives it for free from supporters. This comment came amid a surge in rice prices across Japan. Leaving the office of Prime Minister Sigero Isiba, Eto stated, “I have just submitted my resignation to Prime Minister Sigero Isiba,” which was immediately accepted to ensure no disruption in agricultural policy. During a political rally on Sunday, Eto remarked that he could practically sell the rice given to him by supporters. This statement sparked public anger as Japan faces a sharp increase in food prices, with rice nearly doubling in cost within a year. The government recently resorted to using strategic rice reserves due to crop damage from the 2023 heatwave and panic buying last summer over earthquake fears. In an attempt to justify his remarks, Eto admitted they upset even his wife, who plans to buy rice when theirs runs out. However, his apology proved insufficient. Opposition parties criticized Eto for being out of touch and accused Prime Minister Isiba for initially refusing to dismiss him. Junya Ogawa, secretary-general of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, described Eto’s comments as completely inappropriate and unacceptable. To replace Eto, Prime Minister Isiba appointed Shinjiro Koizumi, a popular former Environment Minister and son of the renowned former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Isiba expects the 44-year-old Koizumi to actively address rising rice prices.