Japan Agriculture Minister Resigns Over Rice Gift Controversy Amid Shortage

Japan's Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned after a public backlash erupted over his controversial remark that he never buys rice because he receives large quantities as gifts from political supporters. The comments drew widespread criticism amid a national rice shortage and soaring prices, which have strained household budgets and angered consumers. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba initially reprimanded Eto but allowed him to remain in office, calling the remarks "extremely unfortunate" and emphasizing the need for solutions to the rice crisis. However, mounting pressure and political fallout, including a drop in the Cabinet's approval ratings ahead of upcoming elections, led to Eto's resignation. Eto had apologized for his comments, acknowledging they were inappropriate and insensitive to the public's hardships. The government continues efforts to stabilize rice prices by releasing emergency stockpiles to address supply shortages caused by poor harvests and panic buying.