TOKYO (AP) – On Wednesday, the Japanese Agriculture Minister resigned, reacting to political fallout from his recent remark that he “didn’t have to buy rice” as it was given to him by supporters. This resignation occurs amid the public’s struggle with record-high prices for the nation’s staple foods.
Taku Eto’s remarks suggest a disconnect as many Japanese people find common ground. Economic reality was a topic at a seminar on Sunday for the Liberal Democrats. A struggling minority government faces increased pressure, especially with national elections approaching in July. A significant defeat might lead to a change in government or the resignation of Prime Minister Isba.
“I made an incredibly inappropriate statement while consumers are grappling with rising rice prices,” Eto told reporters upon resigning at the Prime Minister’s Office. He was the first minister to step down under Isba’s leadership, which commenced in October.
The government has recently released substantial amounts of rice from its emergency reserves; however, the latest Agriculture Department statistics indicate minimal impact from those actions. Some supermarkets have begun offering cheaper imported rice.
Eto attempted to clarify the controversial comments, stating that he actually purchased white rice and did not solely rely on the gifted rice. He explained that his remarks were intended to refer to brown rice, hoping to generate interest in faster market access.
Isba has appointed Onojima, the former Public Environment Minister and son of a former Prime Minister, citing his experience and enthusiasm for agricultural and fishing policy reform.
Kojima mentioned that Isba directed him to take every possible measure to stabilize rice supply and pricing to alleviate consumer concerns.
“I was instructed to prioritize meals above everything else,” Koyama told the press. “In this challenging time, I will strive to swiftly address the high rice prices impacting people’s daily lives,” he added, noting his own experience feeding instant rice to his children.
Isba, a former farm minister, expressed a commitment to enhance Japan’s food security and self-sufficiency. His proposed reforms focus on increasing rice production and exploring potential exports. However, critics argue that existing rice issues need urgent resolution first.
Addressing the situation in the US, Isba suggested that the rise in rice prices represents “a structural issue, not a temporary one.”
“Finding a solution may not be straightforward,” he acknowledged, but reiterated his commitment to alleviate consumer challenges and reform agricultural policies.
Kojima remarked that past measures had failed and he plans to expedite efforts once officially in office later on Wednesday. He emphasized the necessity to reform Japan’s rice policy, highlighting a more consumer-focused approach rather than merely strong farmer representation.
Though Japanese rice demand has decreased over the decades as diets have diversified, rice continues to be a staple food and significant aspect of Japanese culture and history.
“Rice is a basic food for the Japanese. With weekly price hikes, Eto’s resignation is understandable,” remarked Oshima Pyroxen, 73.
The shortages began last August, spurred by government scrutiny following panic buying for a major earthquake. After the fall harvest season, supply pressures eased; however, shortages and price increases emerged again earlier this year.
Authorities have cited poor harvests resulting from the hot weather in 2023 and rising fertilizer and production costs. Some experts have criticized the government’s long-term rice production policies.
The unprecedented release from the emergency rice stock was partly viewed as an attempt to address distribution issues. While the government has denied a rice shortage, authorities remain puzzled as to why rice hasn’t reached consumers as anticipated. Some experts suggest the shortage could be severe, but since the deregulation of rice in 1995, complexities in distribution routes have made tracking more challenging.
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AP video journalist Mayuko Ono contributed to this report.
Source: apnews.com