Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Japan Steps Down Following Controversial Remarks About Free Rice Provision

Japan’s agriculture minister has stepped down after stating he never purchases rice because it’s provided to him for free, triggering widespread outrage in a nation dealing with escalating food costs. Taku Etō’s resignation adds to the pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has faced criticism for failing to control rising rice prices and address broader cost of living issues, potentially impacting the upcoming upper house elections in July. Etō had initially expressed empathy for consumers when the government released rice from emergency stockpiles to help lower prices. However, his admission at a fundraiser that he doesn’t buy rice because he receives sufficient donations to sell it sparked anger among consumers, who are paying nearly double the price for rice compared to a year ago, as per April statistics. The rice shortage in Japan has been attributed to factors such as poor harvests due to extreme weather and hoarding by wholesalers. Ishiba and the Liberal Democratic party (LDP) have faced a diminished popularity and low approval ratings due to the ongoing rice crisis and rising household costs, with a recent survey showing 87% of respondents dissatisfied with the government’s handling of rice prices. Etō’s resignation is a response to a significant public backlash and calls for accountability from opposition parties, highlighting a crisis for Ishiba and the LDP in addressing the public’s concerns ahead of crucial elections.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/21/japan-farm-minister-resigns-rice-price