‘Rice minister’ Koizumi faces urgent task to bring prices down quickly

Koizumi plans to switch from the auction method for stockpiled rice to no-bid contracts, with prices determined through negotiation, aiming to lower record-high prices amid public dissatisfaction over his predecessor’s controversial comments about buying rice out of self-interest. Speaking at the Prime Minister's Office, he emphasized his commitment to addressing the crisis and taking charge as "the rice minister."