Japan’s Agriculture Minister finally resigns over inappropriate comments on rice purchase

The price of rice, Japan’s staple food, has risen sharply. In such a situation, Japan’s Agriculture Minister Taku Ito has faced widespread anger after making comments about rice. He was forced to apologize on Monday (May 19) local time for his controversial comments on the country’s rice prices. He resigned two days after the incident.

Earlier, on Sunday (May 18) local time, he said at a political fundraising event, “I have never had to buy rice, the rice is provided by gifts from supporters,” which sparked a strong reaction on social media.

The careless comment was seen as insensitive to the current rice situation and could create further problems for Ishiba’s already weak minority government ahead of national elections in July.

Speaking to reporters after submitting his resignation to the Prime Minister’s Office, Ito said, “When consumers are struggling due to rising rice prices, I made a very inappropriate comment. “So Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has accepted my resignation.”

Ito added, “I think it would be inappropriate for me to remain in office while the government is facing challenges over rice prices.”

This resignation has once again exposed Japan’s political instability, especially as Prime Minister Ishiba’s government faces the upcoming national election.

It is worth noting that the rise in rice prices has become a major economic and social issue in Japan, disrupting the lives of ordinary people.