SAGA: Japan’s farm minister Taku Eto has come under fire for joking that he doesn’t need to buy rice because supporters give him so much – comments made as households struggle with soaring rice prices.
Speaking at a local Liberal Democratic Party fundraising event on Sunday, Eto said, “I’m not buying rice. Thanks to my supporters, I have so much at home I could sell it,” according to a participant.
His remarks drew swift criticism, especially as his ministry weighs measures to curb price hikes, including releasing rice from national stockpiles.
Though rice prices recently dipped for the first time in 18 weeks, they remain about double last year’s levels due to a poor harvest.
Supermarket prices hit 4,214 yen (US$29) per five kilogrammes in early May.
Public frustration has grown over the government’s slow response – reserves were only tapped starting in March, months after prices began rising last fall.
The administration of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, already under pressure, saw its approval rating drop to a record low, with 87 per cent of respondents in a Kyodo News poll expressing dissatisfaction with its handling of the crisis.
On Monday, Eto walked back his comments, saying he “went too far” and regrets causing trouble.
He ruled out resignation, pledging instead to focus on delivering results as minister.
The government has released 312,000 tonnes of rice reserves so far and plans to auction off another 300,000 tonnes by July. – BERNAMA
