JAPANESE FARM MINISTER RESIGNS AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RICE COMMENT

Japan’s Agriculture Minister, Taku Etō, stepped down on May 21, 2025, after facing intense criticism over remarks he made about not needing to purchase rice, a statement viewed as out of touch amid the country's ongoing rice shortage and soaring prices.

During a seminar in Saga Prefecture, Etō commented that he never had to buy rice because supporters regularly sent it to him. This statement quickly sparked public outrage, as it came at a time when many Japanese households were struggling with nearly doubled rice prices due to poor harvests, climate challenges, and increased production costs.

Opposition parties called his comments insensitive and demanded his resignation, threatening a no-confidence vote. In response, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba accepted Etō’s resignation and appointed former Environment Minister Shinjirō Koizumi as his replacement.

The government has since taken steps to ease the rice crisis, including releasing stockpiled reserves and importing rice from South Korea—the first such move in 25 years. Despite these measures, public dissatisfaction remains high, with recent polls showing that nearly 90% of citizens disapprove of the government’s response.

Etō’s departure marks the first cabinet resignation under Prime Minister Ishiba and highlights mounting pressure on his administration ahead of crucial upper house elections this July.