A Funny Misstep: How a Rice Joke Brought Down a Japanese Minister

When Japan’s farm minister, Taku Eto, attempted to lighten the mood with a joke about receiving rice as gifts from supporters, he sparked widespread outrage instead, leading to his abrupt resignation. This incident occurred against the backdrop of Japan facing its first cost-of-living crisis in decades, particularly affecting rice prices, which have doubled in the past year. The country is grappling with rising rice costs due to a combination of increased demand from post-pandemic tourism and misguided government estimates leading to production shortfalls.

Eto’s comments, made at a local fundraiser, were met with swift backlash, forcing him to apologize. His resignation was precipitated by threats from opposition parties to file a no-confidence motion, further destabilizing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s already struggling minority government. Rice is a crucial staple in Japan; historical unrest has been linked to its prices, with riots in 1918 resulting in government instability.

A young mother, Memori Higuchi, expressed her concerns about rising prices affecting her family’s meals, particularly with a new baby. Agricultural economist Kunio Nishikawa emphasized that the miscalculation of rice demand contributed to the crisis, as numbers failed to reflect the actual needs of a changing market.

While farmers had struggled to make a profit for years, the recent price hikes, now at 40,000 to 50,000 yen for 60kg, have finally provided some financial relief. However, government efforts to release emergency rice reserves have not curtailed rising costs, indicating deep-seated issues in the agricultural sector. Japan has begun to import rice from abroad for the first time in 25 years, stirring debates about local versus imported produce.

Disagreement among farmers highlights the complexities of the rice industry, with calls for more sustainable market practices and support for younger farmers. The looming national elections in summer add pressure on the government to find a balance that satisfies both consumers facing rising prices and farmers who require a livable income. The incident with Eto serves as a reminder of the sensitivities surrounding rice, a food deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and politics.