Japan’s Agriculture Minister Taku Eto has stepped down after a controversial comment about never buying rice ignited public fury — and highlighted a deepening crisis over soaring food prices.
In a moment of political tone-deafness, Eto quipped that he had “so much rice at home” from supporters that he “could sell it.” The backlash was swift.
With Japan’s staple food now twice as expensive as last year, his remarks were seen as out of touch with the everyday struggles of citizens grappling with a cost-of-living squeeze.
Facing mounting criticism, Eto resigned on Wednesday, acknowledging he was “not the right person for the role” and apologizing for what he called an “extremely inappropriate” statement.
His exit puts further pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose approval ratings have sunk to a historic low of 27.4% just weeks before crucial upper house elections.
Already wounded by last year’s election losses, Ishiba’s coalition now faces renewed threats to its fragile grip on power.
Japan’s government has responded to the rice crisis by releasing emergency reserves and turning to foreign imports — even buying South Korean rice for the first time in over two decades.
Stepping into the hot seat is Shinjiro Koizumi, son of a former Prime Minister, who now carries the burden of stabilizing prices and calming a restless public.
