Japan’s Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned on Wednesday following public outrage over his insensitive remarks about receiving free rice, in a country grappling with record-high rice prices and food insecurity for many.
Speaking at a weekend gathering, Eto flippantly remarked that he had “never bought rice myself because my supporters donate so much to me that I can practically sell it.” The comment drew swift backlash from citizens and political opponents alike, with critics branding it “extremely inappropriate, out of touch and intolerable.”
Eto’s statement struck a nerve across Japan, where rice is not just a staple but also a cultural cornerstone. Over the past year, rice prices have nearly doubled due to multiple factors, including poor harvests caused by unusually hot weather in 2023, panic-buying driven by a major earthquake warning, and increased demand from a booming tourism industry. The government has been forced to release emergency rice reserves, but the move has had limited impact on curbing prices.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, already struggling with low approval ratings amid rising food costs, condemned the minister’s remarks as “extremely unfortunate.” Under mounting pressure from the opposition and amid threats of a no-confidence motion, Eto offered a public apology, claiming his wife had corrected him and clarified that they do purchase rice when donations run out. Still, he tendered his resignation early Wednesday, citing “very tough words” from the prime minister.
Ishiba accepted the resignation, acknowledging his own accountability for appointing Eto and emphasizing the need for continued focus on tackling rising rice prices. “This is a structural issue,” Ishiba said. “We must have thorough discussions, and prices must come down.”
As Eto’s replacement, Ishiba appointed Shinjiro Koizumi, a high-profile and media-savvy former environment minister. The 44-year-old is expected to bring renewed energy and leadership to the post.
For many ordinary Japanese like 68-year-old Kyoko Sato, who now relies on meals from her workplace to survive, the episode underscores growing inequality. “I was shocked and disappointed,” she said. “I can’t survive on my pension alone.”
