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Japan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Ishiba to dismiss Agriculture Minister Taku Eto
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has decided to dismiss agriculture minister Taku Eto over his recent gaffe regarding rice, according to people familiar with the matter. Eto, 64, is likely to become the first cabinet minister to be dismissed since Ishiba took office in October last year. During a speech in Saga on Sunday, Eto said that he never bought rice as he receives so much of the staple from his supporters that he could sell it. This drew criticism from both ruling and opposition lawmakers. On Monday, Ishiba reprimanded Eto over the remarks, while expressing his intention to keep the agriculture minister in his post. On Tuesday, however, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and four other opposition parties agreed to demand the dismissal or resignation of Eto and consider submitting a no-confidence motion against him. Ishiba changed his mind, given that a no-confidence motion, if introduced, could pass as he leads a minority government, people familiar with the matter said. He also apparently wants to limit the impact of Eto's remarks about rice — which has been of great interest to the public — before an election for the House of Councillors, Japan's upper chamber of parliament, which takes place this summer. Eto, who was elected eight times to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber, became agriculture minister in November 2024. Among other ministers in the Ishiba cabinet, Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki was reprimanded earlier this year by the prime minister for distributing mooncakes to ministry staff. Ishiba himself has been criticized for distributing gift certificates worth ¥100,000 per person during a meeting with new lawmakers of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party at the prime minister's official residence.
Japan Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Consumption tax set to dominate Upper House election debate
For Japanese policymakers, broaching the subject of the consumption tax has traditionally been seen as disturbing a hornet's nest, but the issue is poised to become a defining point of contention during campaigning for the upcoming Upper House election in July. On the one hand, a cluster of opposition parties are arguing for tax cuts to sustain consumer spending amid soaring prices. Some are calling for a one-off cut limited to food products, as is the case with the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Others, such as the Democratic Party for the People, are suggesting the government make up for any shortfall in tax revenue that arises from a lower rate by issuing debt. On the other hand, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party appears to be resisting calls for a tax cut and is increasingly tilting toward emphasizing its role as the only party that is able to take responsibility for ensuring the country's financial stability.
