US EditionJapanese farm minister apologises after saying he has 'never had to buy rice'
- Japan's farm minister Taku Eto apologized on Monday after saying he has never had to buy rice during a political event on Sunday.
- Eto's remarks, made at a fundraising party, sparked anger as consumers face rice prices about double last year’s levels.
- Footage showed Eto speaking at a lectern, where he admitted to misspeaking and possibly exaggerating to please the crowd.
- One social media user urged, "Hurry up and resign," reflecting widespread frustration following Eto’s comment and apology.
- Eto avoided confirming whether he plans to resign, leaving the situation unresolved amid ongoing public criticism over rice costs.
52 Articles
52 Articles
Agriculture Minister Taku Eto Submits Resignation, Effectively Dismissing Him After Saying He Has "Never Bought Rice"
Agriculture Minister Eto Taku submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru at the Prime Minister's Office on the 21st. Eto had drawn criticism during a speech in Saga City on the 18th when he said, "I've never bought rice." This is the first de facto cabinet reshuffle since the Ishiba Cabinet was formed in October 2024, and will be a blow to the administration ahead of the House of Councillors election in the summer. The Prime Mini…
Agricultural Minister: I Have Never Bought Rice; Remarks Criticized by Opposition Parties, Others
Amid soaring rice prices, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Taku Eto said he has never bought rice during a speech in Saga on Sunday. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba summoned Eto to the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday and reprimanded him for his remark.
Daily Journal
Japan PM hits out at farm minister over free rice claim
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday reprimanded the farm minister for claiming he never buys rice because he gets it free, provoking the ire of consumers facing soaring prices.
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