The price of rice in Japan has continued to rise for some time, causing concern among Japanese people. Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Taku Eto said during a speech in Saga City, Saga Prefecture, Japan on the 18th that he had never bought rice because he would receive rice from supporters and “can be sold as much as possible,” triggering public criticism. In response to the above statement, Taku Eto explained in an interview on the 19th that “as many can be sold” is an exaggeration; he has failed to fully understand consumers, and will probably attract criticism. However, Taku Eto denied the possibility of resigning.

The price of rice in Japan has continued to rise for some time, causing concern among Japanese people. Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Taku Eto said during a speech in Saga City, Saga Prefecture, Japan on the 18th that he had never bought rice because he would receive rice from supporters and “can be sold as much as possible,” triggering public criticism. In response to the above statement, Taku Eto explained in an interview on the 19th that “as many can be sold” is an exaggeration; he has failed to fully understand consumers, and will probably attract criticism. However, Taku Eto denied the possibility of resigning.