Japan: Farm minister resigns after saying he never had to buy rice

Source: United Press International

“Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, or Farms Taki Eto resigned Wednesday after his comments over the price of rice led to a national backlash. Eto wrote on his website that he submitted his resignation to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who accepted. ‘My remarks were extremely inappropriate at a time when the public is suffering greatly from the rising prices of rice, and for that I offer my sincere apologies,’ Eto. Eto made the comments Sunday a weekend fundraising event, where during a speech he said he had never bought rice, as he receives so much from his supporters.” (05/21/25)

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/05/21/Japan-Farm-ministry-rice-price-comment/2891747837779/