Japan's farm minister quits over free rice gaffe

Former Japanese environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi was appointed the new agriculture minister on Wednesday following the resignation of Taku Eto over his controversial remarks about rice.

Koizumi's immediate priority will be addressing public concerns over soaring rice prices, which are attributed to a poor harvest and elevated demand from a boom in tourism.

Speaking at a news conference, Koizumi said Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has instructed him to explore the release of government-held rice reserves through negotiated contracts. In response, Koizumi ordered ministry officials to cancel an auction scheduled for next week and swiftly develop concrete measures.

"The details are still being worked out, but I want this to be a clear first step toward bringing rice prices down," he said.

"I have directed officials to design a new system from scratch. If there is demand, we may consider releasing rice reserves without limit."

Koizumi, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's Research Commission on Fishery Policies, previously served as director of the party's agriculture and forestry division. Ishiba spoke of his "experience, insight, and passion for reform in both agriculture and the fisheries industry".

Eto submitted his resignation to Ishiba on Wednesday amid widespread criticism over comments he made at a Sunday political fundraising event — that he had never bought rice. "Frankly, my supporters give me quite a lot of rice. I have so much rice in my pantry at home that I could sell it," he said.

Economic pressure

The remarks were widely criticized for seeming insensitive amid soaring rice prices and mounting economic pressure on the public.

Data on Monday showed supermarket rice prices rising again in the week through May 11, to 4,268 yen ($29.7) for a 5-kilogram bag. This marked an increase of 1.3 percent from the previous week and more than double the 2,108 yen recorded during the corresponding period last year.

"At a time when rice prices must come down, public trust is essential. If I have damaged that trust, then stepping down is the right thing to do for the people," Eto said.

The resignation is the first from the second Ishiba Cabinet, which was inaugurated on Nov 11.

With the House of Councillors election approaching, Eto's dismissal could deal a major blow to the administration, said Yoshihiko Noda, president of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

Rice prices are arguably the greatest public concern at present, Noda said.

Agencies contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn