The price of rice in Japan has experienced a big pump, but the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries claims that there is "so much rice at home that it can be sold."

Jin10 data reported on May 19th that on the 18th local time, Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Takumi Eto, while giving a speech in Saga City, commented on the continuously rising rice prices: “(I) have never bought rice. Supporters have sent a lot, and in my pantry, there is simply so much that it could be sold.” This remark sparked fierce criticism from the Japanese public. On the 19th, Takumi Eto explained in an interview that saying “so much that it could be sold” was an exaggeration. He failed to fully understand the consumers. However, he denied the possibility of resigning. Takumi Eto also stated that he regularly buys rice and had just purchased some last week. He mentioned that given his identification and position, it was very inappropriate to make such comments. In response to Takumi Eto’s remarks, on the 19th, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba issued a serious warning to him and instructed him to continue efforts to drop rice prices.