19-05-2025
Japan farm minister retracts comment on rice amid rising prices
Japanese agriculture minister Eto Taku has retracted a comment he made about rice over the weekend. Eto apologized and suggested that he would remain in his post.
Eto made the remark during a speech in the city of Saga on Sunday, when talking about how to speed up the distribution of rice from government stockpiles in an effort to bring down skyrocketing prices.
Eto said: "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."
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru told reporters on Monday that, as the person who appointed Eto, he apologizes deeply.
Ishiba said there is no rice in some stores, and, even if there is, it is very expensive. He said consumers are angry and worried. He described Eto's comment as "extremely problematic."
Eto spoke to reporters after he was summoned to the prime minister's office and reprimanded by Ishiba. Eto said he was told to reflect on the matter seriously and to continue making efforts to bring down rice prices.
Opposition lawmakers appear poised to grill Eto over his remark at a Diet committee meeting on Tuesday.
