Japan’s Farm Minister Resigns Over Free Rice Remark Amid Soaring Prices

Japan’s Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Minister Taku Eto resigned on Wednesday following a public uproar over his remarks about receiving free rice from supporters.

The comment, made during a Sunday interview, ignited widespread criticism in a nation grappling with unprecedented rice price surges, exacerbating public frustration with the government’s handling of food inflation.

Eto’s resignation comes as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s administration faces declining approval ratings ahead of a critical Upper House election this summer.

A Tone-Deaf Comment Sparks Outrage

Eto's assertion that he has "never had to buy rice" due to supporters providing it for free sparked outrage among Japanese consumers who are struggling to afford the staple grain.

Rice, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and culture, has seen prices soar to record levels, with a 5-kilogram bag reaching 4,268 yen ($29.63) in the week ending May 11, 2025, a 54-yen increase from the previous week.

The price spike, driven by poor harvests in 2024 and limited imports, has left households and businesses reeling. Real-time data from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries indicates that rice inventories remain critically low, with government stockpile releases failing to stabilize prices.

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Structural Challenges in Japan’s Rice Economy

Japan’s rice market is heavily insulated, with high tariffs on imports to protect local farmers, who are predominantly elderly and operate small, less efficient farms. Sayuri Shirai, a professor of economics at Keio University, noted that the aging farmer population and declining agricultural workforce exacerbate supply constraints. “Japanese consumers prefer domestic rice over foreign varieties, which limits the impact of imports,” Shirai explained.

Additionally, a surge in tourism has boosted demand for Japanese rice, further straining supplies. Reports indicate that tourist spending on dining increased by 12% in Q1 2025, with rice-based dishes like sushi and onigiri in high demand.

Did You Know?
Japan’s rice culture dates back over 2,000 years, with the grain considered so sacred that it was once used as currency. Today, rice remains a symbol of national identity, with over 300 varieties grown across the country.

Inflation and Public Discontent

Japan’s inflation rate, recorded at 3.6% year over year in March 2025, remains above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target for the third consecutive year. Food prices, particularly rice, are a significant driver of this inflation, compounded by a weakened yen that makes imported food costlier.

Japan imports 60% of its food supply, yet its food self-sufficiency rate languishes at 38%, well below the government’s 2030 target of 45%.

Panic-driven hoarding by households and businesses, as noted by Takuji Okubo, chief economist at Japan Macro Advisors, has further tightened supply chains. Retailers’ plans to import rice face skepticism, as unfamiliarity with foreign varieties limits their appeal.

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Political Fallout and Leadership Change

Eto’s resignation adds to the woes of Prime Minister Ishiba’s cabinet, which saw its approval rating plummet to 27.4% in a recent Kyodo News poll. Public dissatisfaction stems from the government’s failure to address soaring food prices and its rejection of proposed consumption tax cuts.

Former Environment Minister Koizumi Shinjiro has been appointed as Eto’s successor, tasked with navigating the ongoing rice crisis and restoring public confidence. With tariff negotiations with the U.S. looming, the administration faces mounting pressure to balance domestic agricultural interests with economic realities.