Taku Eto, Japan's agriculture minister, resigned following backlash over his comments about never buying rice, which many found out of touch amid rising prices. The controversy may further endanger Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's minority government ahead of crucial elections. Eto acknowledged his inappropriate remarks during a press briefing, expressing that he could no longer serve while the government aimed to alleviate rice costs. He attempted to clarify that he does purchase rice himself, referring to gift rice as brown rice—a type he advocates for consumption due to faster market availability. The situation has prompted discussions on potential reforms in agriculture.
"I made an extremely inappropriate remark at a time when consumers are struggling with soaring rice prices," Eto told reporters after submitting his resignation at the prime minister's office.
Eto said Ishiba accepted his resignation. "It is not appropriate for me to stay" as officials work to lower high rice prices and increase supply, Eto said.
Media reports say Eto's successor will be popular former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of a former prime minister.
Eto, while submitting his resignation, has sought to clarify the comments that got him in trouble. He said he does actually buy white rice himself and was not living on rice given as gifts.
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