Japan’s agriculture minister resigns after his comment about not having to purchase rice

TOKYO — Japan’s agriculture minister resigned Wednesday due to political fallout over current feedback that he “never had to buy rice” as a result of he acquired it from supporters as presents. The resignation comes as the general public struggles with document excessive costs of the nation’s conventional staple meals.

Taku Eto’s remark, which many Japanese noticed as out of contact with the tough financial realities they face, got here at a seminar Sunday in Saga prefecture. Politically, the gaffe might be additional bother for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s already struggling minority authorities, which faces an important nationwide election in July. A loss may imply a brand new authorities or that Ishiba must step down.

“I made an extremely inappropriate remark at a time when consumers are struggling with soaring rice prices,” Eto instructed reporters after submitting his resignation on the prime minister’s workplace. Eto mentioned Ishiba accepted his resignation.

“It is not appropriate for me to stay” as officers work to decrease excessive rice costs and enhance provide, Eto mentioned.

The federal government has launched tons of rice from its emergency stockpile in current months, however the newest agricultural ministry statistics present that has probably not helped the state of affairs. Some supermarkets have began promoting cheaper imported rice.

Eto, whereas submitting his resignation, has sought to make clear the feedback that acquired him in bother. He mentioned he does really purchase white rice himself and was not residing on rice given as presents. He mentioned the present remark referred to brown rice, which he needs individuals to turn into occupied with as a result of it might probably attain market quicker.

Media stories say Eto’s successor will probably be standard former Setting Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of a former prime minister.

Ishiba, additionally a former farm minister, mentioned he needs to strengthen Japan’s meals safety and self-sufficiency. He just lately proposed agricultural reforms, together with elevated rice manufacturing and doable exports, although critics say he ought to urgently repair the continued rice drawback first.

Noting the rice state of affairs, Ishiba mentioned he suspects the rice value surge is “not a temporary but a structural problem.”

Opposition lawmakers had threatened to submit a no-confidence movement in opposition to him if Eto did not resign voluntarily by Wednesday afternoon. Celebration leaders plan to additional grill Ishiba at a celebration leaders’ debate at parliament scheduled later within the day.

Japanese rice demand has decreased over current a long time as individuals’s diets have diversified, however rice stays a staple meals and integral a part of Japanese tradition and historical past.

“Rice is the stable food for the Japanese. When its prices are rising every week, (Eto’s) resignation is only natural,” mentioned Shizuko Oshima, 73.

The shortfall began final August on panic shopping for following a authorities warning over preparedness for a significant earthquake. The availability strain eased after the autumn harvest, however a scarcity and value will increase hit once more early this 12 months.

Officers have blamed the availability scarcity on poor harvests due to sizzling climate in 2023 and better fertilizer and different manufacturing prices, however some specialists blame the federal government’s long-term rice manufacturing coverage.

The unprecedented launch from emergency rice stockpiles was seen partially as an try to determine distribution issues. The federal government has denied there may be now a rice scarcity, however officers say it is a thriller why rice is just not reaching customers. Some specialists say the rice scarcity might be critical nevertheless it’s tough to hint rice as its distribution route has turn into so advanced because the finish of presidency management in 1995.