Taku Eto Resigns as Japan's Agriculture Minister Amid Rice Shortage Controversy

Taku Eto's resignation highlights ongoing challenges in Japan's agricultural policies as voters react strongly to a nationwide rice shortage.

Taku Eto, the Minister of Agriculture in Japan, resigned on Wednesday following a backlash over his insensitive remark claiming that he had never purchased rice, a crucial staple currently facing a nationwide shortage. Eto's comments came at a time when voters are grappling with rising food costs and limited access to rice due to a long-standing supply crisis.

During a recent speech on agricultural policy, Eto stated, "I have never bought rice myself. Frankly, my supporters give me quite a lot of rice. I have so much rice at home that I could sell it." His comments, perceived as tone-deaf, exacerbated existing frustrations regarding the government's failure to effectively address the rice shortage, which has significantly impacted the budgets of many Japanese households. Despite the government’s efforts to mitigate the situation, including releasing rice from emergency reserves, prices have remained high.

Critics point to outdated agricultural policies intended to protect small farmers that have hindered new entrants from utilizing agricultural land, leaving vast areas untilled. This inefficiency has provoked urban voters, who have voiced their displeasure as sporadic shortages and high prices lead to rationing by grocery stores. Such discontent has negatively impacted Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's approval ratings ahead of the upcoming upper house elections in July.

Eto’s comments resulted in immediate backlash from opposition parties and consumer advocates, who highlighted the need for an agriculture minister to genuinely understand the concerns of both producers and consumers. Kazuya Shimba, secretary-general of the Democratic Party for the People, called for a more relatable leader in the agricultural sector.

In response to the growing discontent, Ishiba stated that he sought Eto's resignation to prevent further complications with agricultural policy as the political landscape becomes increasingly polarized. As a result, the Prime Minister has appointed rising star Shinjiro Koizumi as the new agriculture minister, a move aimed at restoring public confidence in the government’s capability to handle critical issues affecting food security.