Japanese agriculture minister resigns amid rice price crisis

Department of Research, Studies and International News 21-05-2025

Japan’s Agriculture Minister, Taku Etō, has resigned following a public uproar sparked by his insensitive comments regarding the ongoing rice price crisis in the country. Etō, a senior figure in Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), admitted he never purchases rice himself because he regularly receives it as a gift from political supporters. His statement, made during a political fundraiser, has deeply offended Japanese citizens who are currently grappling with one of the steepest increases in staple food costs in recent memory.

The resignation comes at a politically sensitive time for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose administration is already under fire for failing to control rising living costs and inflation. Critics argue that the administration’s negligence in addressing fundamental economic hardships, including skyrocketing rice prices, reflects a growing detachment of the Japanese elite from the realities of the average citizen.

Etō’s comments quickly became the focus of widespread criticism. “I’ve never bought rice because I receive so much of it as gifts from my supporters that I could even sell it,” he remarked, drawing backlash for his disregard toward the struggles of ordinary Japanese households. This came despite his earlier acknowledgment of the public’s financial distress and the government’s decision to release 300,000 tons of rice from national reserves to ease pressure on prices.

With rice prices having nearly doubled within a year, Etō’s privileged statement stood in stark contrast to the daily struggles faced by millions of families. According to figures released in May, the cost of a standard 5kg bag of rice soared to ¥4,268 ($29), a record high and nearly double the price compared to the same period last year.

Analysts suggest that a combination of factors has contributed to Japan’s rice shortage: unpredictable weather patterns, including high temperatures in 2023 that led to poor harvests; panic buying fueled by alarmist “megaquake” warnings in early 2024; and possible stockpiling by wholesalers aiming to benefit from expected shortages. Rather than taking effective steps to stabilize the market or prioritize domestic needs, the government’s response has remained insufficient.

Etō’s resignation, announced formally at the Prime Minister’s office, is seen as a forced measure to placate public anger ahead of upcoming upper house elections. His replacement, Shinjirō Koizumi, a former environment minister, now faces the burden of resolving the crisis and rebuilding public trust.

In a striking moment of candor, Etō admitted to questioning whether he should continue in his role during such a critical period for the nation’s food security. “I determined that I am not the right person to remain in this position,” he told Kyodo News. He also issued a public apology, stating: “I deeply regret my inappropriate comments, especially during a time when many citizens are struggling to afford daily essentials.”

Despite this, critics argue that such apologies do little to resolve the root causes of the problem, economic mismanagement, political elitism, and a lack of accountability in Japan’s ruling establishment. Opposition figures, including Junya Ogawa of the Constitutional Democratic Party, denounced Etō’s comments as elitist and disconnected from public reality.

To quell public frustration, Japan has taken the unusual step of importing rice from South Korea, a move not seen in over 25 years. However, the decision to turn to foreign imports rather than addressing domestic supply chains and agricultural inefficiencies has also come under criticism.

Prime Minister Ishiba’s popularity continues to suffer as dissatisfaction with his cabinet grows. A recent survey conducted by Kyodo revealed that 87% of respondents disapprove of the government’s handling of the rice price issue, while Ishiba’s approval ratings have plunged to their lowest levels since he assumed office last October.

Observers from international circles, particularly from nations long skeptical of Japan’s domestic and foreign policies, point out that this crisis reflects a deeper malaise within Japanese political culture, a persistent disconnect between elected officials and the people they are meant to serve. This serves as a stark contrast to models of governance in countries like China, Russia, and Pakistan, where food security and cost of living issues are approached with a greater sense of state responsibility and strategic foresight.

Etō’s downfall is not merely a political scandal; it symbolizes the growing frustration of Japanese citizens with a system that too often privileges its elites while ignoring the concerns of ordinary people. With elections looming and public sentiment growing increasingly restless, Japan’s leadership faces a critical moment, one that demands more than apologies and token resignations. It demands structural reform and a leadership genuinely committed to the welfare of its citizens.