Comment on “‘I’ve Never Bought Rice’: Minister’s Words Stir Public Anger” [in Japanese]
On May 19, 2025, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article “‘I’ve Never Bought Rice’: Minister’s Words Stir Public Anger.” by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) was published. The article reported on widespread anger and backlash from farmers and consumers following remarks made by then-Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Taku Eto on May 18, in which he stated, “I’ve never bought rice.” Professor Ichihara highlighted the difficulties faced by volunteer organizations such as children’s cafeterias and homeless support groups in distributing rice due to soaring prices. She suggested that, in addition to stepping down from his post, Mr. Eto should consider donating rice to these organizations.
