In a political fallout that highlights the sensitivity around Japan’s food security, Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, following a controversial and widely criticized comment where he said he doesn’t buy rice because he gets it free from his supporters. The remark comes at a time when Japanese consumers are grappling with record-high rice prices amid an ongoing shortage.

The comment was made on Sunday at a seminar in Saga prefecture, where Eto stated, “I never had to buy rice,” attributing his supply to the generosity of his supporters who gift him the staple grain. However, the public response was swift and unforgiving. In a country where rice is not just food but a cultural cornerstone, the statement was perceived as tone-deaf and elitist, especially as many citizens are currently struggling to afford their daily meals due to inflation and shortages.

Facing mounting backlash and threats from opposition parties, who planned to file a no-confidence motion if he did not step down voluntarily, Eto tendered his resignation at the prime minister’s office. Speaking to reporters shortly after, he said, “I made an extremely inappropriate remark at a time when consumers are struggling with soaring rice prices.” He added, “It is not appropriate for me to stay as head” of the ministry at such a critical time.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba accepted Eto’s resignation and issued a public statement acknowledging his own responsibility in appointing Eto. “I humbly accept the criticism,” Ishiba stated, as his minority government continues to battle low approval ratings and prepares for a national election in July. According to media reports, Eto’s likely replacement is Shinjiro Koizumi, a popular and seasoned politician who previously served as Environment Minister.

Eto, attempting to mitigate the damage, retracted his earlier statement. He apologized to the public and clarified that he does, in fact, purchase rice and is not dependent on gifts. However, the damage to his image—and potentially to the ruling administration—had already been done.

The controversy also brings renewed focus on the broader rice supply crisis in Japan. Rice, although seeing declining demand over decades due to the diversification of Japanese diets, remains a symbolic and essential part of Japan’s cultural heritage and daily nutrition. The current crisis traces its roots to a series of recent disruptions.

The first major disruption began in August last year, when panic buying set in after the government issued an advisory on preparedness for a possible major earthquake. Though the autumn harvest helped temporarily ease the pressure, shortages resumed in early 2025, compounded by multiple factors.

Officials have cited unfavourable weather conditions in 2023, particularly extreme heat, that led to poor harvests. In addition, rising fertilizer and production costs have further exacerbated the situation. However, agriculture policy experts argue that the root cause lies in Japan’s long-term rice production strategy, which they say failed to anticipate modern challenges such as climate volatility and supply chain vulnerabilities.

To manage the ongoing crisis, the government released large quantities of rice from emergency reserves. Yet, according to the latest data from the agricultural ministry, this intervention has done little to ease the supply crunch or bring down prices.

The episode surrounding Eto’s resignation is more than just a political scandal—it is a reflection of deepening public frustration with how the government is managing essential food resources amid rising inflation and climate-induced uncertainty. Public trust has been eroded, and the upcoming national election in July could serve as a referendum on the Ishiba administration’s handling of this critical issue.

Furthermore, this incident has reignited discussions around the ethical responsibilities of elected officials, especially those in charge of critical ministries like agriculture. Eto’s comment, though possibly offhand, served as a stark reminder of how out-of-touch some politicians may appear to ordinary citizens dealing with real and immediate challenges.

As Shinjiro Koizumi prepares to potentially step into the role, all eyes will be on whether the new leadership can bring transparency, responsiveness, and reform to Japan’s agricultural policy. The ministry will be expected to not only stabilize rice supplies and prices but also undertake a long-overdue reassessment of Japan’s food security strategy in the face of economic and environmental upheavals.

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