Japan farm minister Taku Eto quits after gaffe over free rice

Japan’s farm minister, Taku Eto, resigned after admitting he “never bought rice myself” despite receiving support from his donors, drawing sharp criticism amid skyrocketing rice prices. His comments, viewed as out of touch by many, could further destabilize his Liberal Democratic Party before a July election. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba defended Eto’s resignation, blaming it on his appointment rather than policy issues. The controversy also highlights Japan’s struggling rice market due to poor harvests, panic buying after a megaquake warning last year, and a tourism boom.