Japan’s Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned on Wednesday following widespread criticism over remarks he made about rice, dealing another blow to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s struggling administration.
Eto faced intense backlash after media reports revealed he had told a political fundraiser that he had "never had to buy rice" because supporters regularly gifted it to him. The comment ignited public anger at a time when rice prices have surged to historic highs due to poor harvests and increased demand from tourism.
"I made an extremely inappropriate remark while citizens are suffering from soaring rice prices," Eto said after submitting his resignation.
Prime Minister Ishiba swiftly appointed former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi as Eto’s successor at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), praising his reformist approach.
"Mr. Koizumi has the experience, insight, and passion needed to drive reforms in agriculture and fisheries," Ishiba said.
Rice prices in Japan have doubled compared to last year, straining households already grappling with stagnant wages and years of deflation. Despite government efforts—including releasing emergency stockpiles since March—retail prices rose again in early May after a brief decline.
The crisis has forced many consumers and retailers to turn to cheaper imported rice, further straining domestic producers.
Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, vowed to prioritize stabilizing the market.
"Right now, the public is worried about rice prices and supply. My job is to ease those concerns," he said. "I see myself as the ‘minister in charge of rice.’"
He also signaled openness to bold reforms, stating there would be "no sacred cows" in efforts to lower prices.
Eto’s resignation adds to Prime Minister Ishiba’s political challenges ahead of critical upper house elections in July. His ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner Komeito lost their lower house majority in a snap election last October, shortly after Ishiba took office.
Analysts say the delayed response to Eto’s gaffe has further weakened Ishiba’s standing.
"Eto’s resignation was inevitable, but the government’s slow reaction exposed a lack of leadership," said Hiroshi Shiratori, a political science professor at Hosei University.
Public dissatisfaction is mounting. A recent Kyodo News poll showed Ishiba’s approval rating at a record low of 27.4%, with nearly 90% of voters criticizing the government’s handling of the rice price crisis.
The upheaval underscores the delicate balance between Japan’s agricultural policies and public sentiment, with rice remaining a politically sensitive staple.