Eto faced intense public backlash after claiming he had “never had to purchase rice” because supporters provided it to him. This statement fueled anger during a national rice shortage and as prices skyrocketed.
Japan’s government struggles with soaring rice prices
Rice is a fundamental part of the diet in Japan, and Eto’s comment inflamed sentiments in a country that has seen retail rice prices double within the year.
“My comment was extraordinarily thoughtless at a time when citizens are struggling with the high cost of rice,” Eto stated to reporters after handing in his resignation at the prime minister’s office.
Despite implementing measures since March to control price increases, the government has not seen improvement.
Support for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has also significantly decreased. A recent Kyodo News poll shows that his approval rating has fallen to 27.4%, down from 32.6% the previous month.
Eighty-seven percent of respondents in that same poll considered the government’s handling of rising rice prices as insufficient.
Edited by: Rana Taha
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/japan-minister-bows-out-over-rice-gaffe/a-72617557?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
