Japan Agriculture Minister Resigns After Free Rice Comments Amid Price Surge

Japan's agriculture minister, Taku Etō, resigned after sparking public outrage by stating he never buys rice because he receives it as gifts from supporters, a remark that came at a time of soaring rice prices and food inflation in the country. His comment, made at a ruling Liberal Democratic Party fundraiser, was seen as insensitive amid a rice shortage caused by poor harvests, panic buying, and hoarding by wholesalers. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed regret over Etō's remarks and accepted his resignation, with Shinjirō Koizumi expected to replace him. The controversy intensified criticism of the government's handling of the cost of living crisis ahead of upcoming elections. Despite government efforts to release emergency rice stockpiles, prices have nearly doubled, and distribution challenges remain, including difficulties in processing brown rice. Etō apologized publicly, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his statement during this critical period for consumers struggling with rising food costs.