A series of six surveys conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to examine the causes of the surge ...

Japanese Minister of Agriculture Taku Eto stepped down from his office after making a remark about rice that many in the public found out of touch with budget-conscious consumers.

Rice prices in around 1,000 supermarkets nationwide reportedly climbed to all-times high in the week ending May 11. Prices for a 5-kilogram bag of rice rose 54 yen week-on-week to 4,268 yen ($29.63) ...

Japan's Agriculture Minister Taku Eto, center, arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Credit: AP “I was told to put rice before anything,” Koizumi told reporters.

Japan’s farm minister Taku Eto stepped down on Wednesday, domestic media reported, following public outrage over his comments on getting free rice.

That cost him his job. Taku Eto said he has never had to buy rice since he gets it as gifts from his supporters, striking a nerve with locals struggling with rocketing prices of the beloved staple.

Japan's farm minister Taku Eto stepped down on Wednesday, domestic media reported, following public outrage over his comments on getting free rice. Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are ...

Japan’s farm minister Taku Eto responds to questions from media after submitting his resignation to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo on May 21, 2025.