Japan’s farm minister Taku Eto apologised on Monday after saying he had “never had to buy rice” thanks to gifts from supporters, angering consumers grappling with sky-high prices of the staple food.
Advertisement
After Kyodo News first reported the remarks, made during a political fundraising party on Sunday, other local media quickly followed, sending social media into a frenzy of angry comments.
“You are done. Hurry up and resign,” one user posted online.
Responding to reporters’ questions on Monday, Eto apologised for the comments, saying he had misspoken and may have exaggerated to please the crowd. He skirted a question about whether he intended to step down.
Footage aired by public broadcaster NHK showed Eto at a lectern making the comments at the event on Sunday, including how he “had enough [rice] to sell”.
Advertisement