Rice Joke Topples Japan's Farm Minister Amidst Growing Crisis

Japan's Rice Crisis: A Joke Costs a Minister His Job Japan is grappling with a rice crisis, a staple food for over 120 million people. The price of rice has more than doubled in the past year, creating significant economic and political consequences. This crisis recently led to the resignation of Japan's farm minister, Taku Eto. His downfall stemmed from a seemingly harmless joke he made last Sunday. Eto quipped that he'd never had to buy rice because his supporters provided him with ample amounts. While intended as humor, his comment sparked outrage among voters struggling with rising rice prices. "Many voters didn't see the funny side," explains Jameel Sharif, the BBC journalist who covers the story. The public outcry intensified, and by Wednesday, Eto was out of a job. This incident highlights the deep-seated cultural significance of rice in Japan and the government's crucial role in managing its supply. Until the 1990s, the government closely controlled rice production through agricultural cooperatives. However, this system was scrapped in 1995, leaving the Ministry of Agriculture to estimate demand and guide farmers. In 2023 and 2024, these estimates were drastically off, resulting in the current shortage. The ministry underestimated demand by over 1 million tons. While increased tourism and dining out post-COVID contributed to the rise in demand, production decreased as some farmers found growing rice unprofitable. The government is now tapping into emergency reserves and importing rice from South Korea, but many Japanese consumers prefer domestically grown rice, which remains scarce. This situation underscores the complexities of food security and the delicate balance between government regulation and market forces in a country where rice holds immense cultural weight.