Japan’s Farm Minister Resigns Over Free Rice Gaffe; Shinjiro Koizumi Named Successor

Japan's Agriculture Minister Taku Eto has stepped down after sparking public outrage with comments perceived as insensitive amid soaring rice prices across the country.

The controversy erupted after Eto boasted at a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) seminar that he had “never bought rice” because supporters donated so much he could “practically sell it.” The remark drew fierce criticism from the public, who are grappling with nearly double the rice prices compared to April 2024.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed Wednesday that he accepted Eto’s resignation, citing the need to keep agricultural policy functioning smoothly. “I apologise to the Japanese people,” Ishiba said, taking responsibility for Eto’s appointment and describing the incident as “extremely unfortunate.”

Eto’s resignation comes at a politically sensitive time, with the ruling LDP minority government facing increasing pressure ahead of a national election in July. Opposition parties swiftly condemned the minister’s remarks. Junya Ogawa of the Constitutional Democratic Party labelled them “out of touch and intolerable,” and some parties reportedly considered a no-confidence motion against the government.

The rice price surge, driven by factors such as extreme weather, panic buying after a major earthquake warning, and increased tourism, has forced the government to tap into emergency rice reserves, with limited effect so far.

After initially downplaying his comments by claiming he was corrected by his wife — who reminded him she sometimes buys rice, Eto ultimately resigned following “very tough words” from the prime minister.

In the aftermath, Prime Minister Ishiba appointed Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, as the new agriculture minister. A former environment minister and the son of ex-premier Junichiro Koizumi, the younger Koizumi is expected to bring renewed energy and leadership to the role.

With rice farmers traditionally being a core LDP constituency, the scandal adds further pressure on the party as it navigates public discontent and economic challenges.

Source: Al Jazeera and News agencies