When Japan’s farm minister declared that he never had to buy rice because his supporters give him “plenty” of it as gifts, he hoped to draw laughs.
Instead Taku drew outrage – and enough of it to force him to resign.
Japan is facing its first cost-of-living crisis in decades, which is hitting a beloved staple: rice.
The price has more than doubled in the last year, and imported varieties are few and far between.
Eto apologised, saying he had gone “too far” with his comments on Sunday at a local fundraiser.
He resigned after opposition parties threatened a no-confidence motion against him.
This deals a fresh blow to the Prime Minister’s minority government, which was already struggling with falling public support.
Taiwan National Day Celebration
