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Japanese minister resigns after saying he's never bought rice because he gets it free

  • Taku Eto resigned as Japan's agriculture minister on Wednesday after public outrage over his comments about receiving free rice as gifts from supporters.
  • Eto stated, "I made an extremely inappropriate remark at a time when consumers are struggling with soaring rice prices."
  • He concluded that it was not appropriate for him to continue in this role during a critical time for rice prices.
  • Opposition parties threatened a no-confidence motion against him if he did not resign voluntarily by Wednesday afternoon.
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In Japan, the price of rice is going up. That could be the choice in the summer. Of all things, the Minister of Agriculture is making an arrogant joke.

·Frankfurt, Germany
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Lean Left

Taku Eto quite recklessly stated a few days ago that he never bought rice himself, as his supporters donate so much of it to him that he can practically sell it.

Lean Right

BEIJING. Is it possible to be the agriculture minister in Japan and say you never buy rice? Obviously not. Japan's agriculture minister Taku Eto is being forced to resign after boasting that he receives so much rice as a gift that he never has to buy it. This in a Japan where there is a shortage of rice and the price has risen to record levels.

·Stockholm, Sweden
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  • 38% of the sources are Center
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Kyodo News+ broke the news in Japan on Monday, May 19, 2025.
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