In brief
Taku Eto's resignation highlights growing frustrations over Japan's ongoing rice crisis and the government's ineffective response.
Japan's agriculture minister, Taku Eto, resigned on Wednesday following intense backlash over his comment stating he had never personally purchased rice, a staple food currently in short supply across the nation. His remarks coincided with rising prices that have frustrated consumers, raising scrutiny on the government's handling of the rice crisis. Eto, during a speech addressing farming policy, remarked, "I have never bought rice myself," adding that he received generous amounts of rice from his supporters, enough to consider selling some. This comment fueled anger among citizens, who have been struggling with rising food costs despite thousands of tons of rice being released from government reserves to alleviate the shortage. The root of the crisis stems from longstanding agricultural policies aimed at protecting small farmers, creating barriers for new entrants in the agricultural sector, and leaving vast tracts of farmable land unused. The government's inability to adapt has exacerbated the situation, leading to urban resentment and negatively impacting Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's approval ratings ahead of upcoming upper house elections set for July. Critics rapidly condemned Eto's aloof demeanor, believing it indicated a disconnect from the realities faced by consumers and producers alike. "We don’t need an agriculture minister who doesn’t understand the viewpoint of consumers or producers," declared Kazuya Shimba, the general secretary of the Democratic Party for the People. After Eto expressed regret for his words, the political pressure intensified, prompting opposition parties to threaten potential no-confidence motions against him. Ishiba faced mounting pressure as the comment sparked a liability for his administration, with approval ratings dipping into the low 20s. To mitigate the backlash, Prime Minister Ishiba appointed Shinjiro Koizumi, a popular figure within the Liberal Democratic Party and the son of a former prime minister, as Eto's successor. Ishiba emphasized the need to regain control over agricultural policies to prevent further disruption from the controversy. Reporters Kiuko Notoya and Hisako Ueno contributed to this coverage, and Martin Fackler serves as the acting Tokyo bureau chief for The Times.
