Japan’s Cabinet Minister Resigns After Controversial Rice Joke Sparks Outrage

When Japan’s farm minister, Taku Eto, jokingly remarked that he never buys rice because his supporters gift him plenty, he sparked outrage rather than laughter. This incident comes at a time when Japan is grappling with a significant cost-of-living crisis, particularly affecting rice prices, which have more than doubled in the past year. Following backlash and threats of a no-confidence motion from opposition parties, Eto resigned, marking a setback for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s already struggling minority government. The rising cost of rice has historical significance in Japan, having previously triggered political upheaval.

A Costly Error in Rice Production

The current rice crisis in Japan stems from a miscalculation in supply and demand, according to agricultural economist Kunio Nishikawa from Ibaraki University. The government, which previously controlled rice production until 1995, continues to publish demand estimates to help farmers avoid overproduction. However, Nishikawa points out that the estimates for 2023 and 2024 were significantly off. The government projected a demand of 6.8 million tonnes, while actual demand reached 7.05 million tonnes. Contributing factors include an increase in tourism and a rise in dining out post-pandemic. Unfortunately, actual rice production fell short of expectations, totaling only 6.61 million tonnes. A spokesperson for the agriculture ministry acknowledged that the quality of rice suffered due to unusually high temperatures, further exacerbating the situation.

Challenges Facing Rice Farmers

For many years, rice farmers in Japan have struggled to maintain profitability. Kosuke Kasahara, a 59-year-old farmer from Niigata, highlighted the financial difficulties, noting that it costs around 18,500 yen (approximately $125.70) to produce 60 kilograms of rice, while local cooperatives offered only 19,000 yen for it last year. The government had previously incentivized municipalities to reduce rice production, leading to a decline in the number of farmers willing to grow rice. Younger farmers have increasingly turned to alternative crops, such as those used for sake or animal feed, as demand for traditional rice had been declining until recently. However, the current surge in rice prices, now ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 yen for 60 kilograms, offers a glimmer of hope for struggling farmers. Despite the rising costs for consumers, many farmers are finally seeing a chance to earn a profit.

Government Response to Rising Prices

The escalating cost of rice is not only a concern in Japan but also across Southeast Asia, which produces nearly 30% of the world’s rice. In response to the crisis, Japan has begun importing rice from South Korea for the first time in 25 years, despite a strong preference among consumers for domestically grown varieties. Prime Minister Ishiba has hinted at the possibility of expanding rice imports from the United States as his government negotiates a trade deal with Washington. However, many consumers, like first-time mother Memori Higuchi, express reluctance to purchase non-Japanese rice, emphasizing the importance of supporting local agriculture. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about ensuring that Japanese farmers can thrive while providing safe and affordable food for consumers.

The debate over the future of rice farming in Japan is complex, with differing opinions among farmers. Some argue for a more market-driven approach, while others stress the importance of community and support for local farmers. As the country prepares for a key national election this summer, the government faces the challenge of balancing the needs of both consumers and farmers, particularly the elderly, who are significant voters in rural areas.

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