Rice is integral to Japanese culture, but a recent scarcity has caused prices to soar, leading to widespread consumer frustration. The government attempted to manage the crisis by releasing rice reserves, but distribution delays have persisted. Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned following insensitive remarks about his experience with rice, indicating a disconnect with public concerns. Shinjiro Koizumi, his successor, is now responsible for addressing these issues. Panic buying, sparked by fears of future shortages, has exacerbated the situation, pushing prices up to double their normal rates and resulting in record low stock levels.
To cope with shortfalls this year, the government has released rice reserves, but the grain has been slow to reach supermarket shelves, angering consumers.
Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned after comments about his detachment from rice buying highlighted his ignorance of the struggles faced by ordinary people.
Prices surged to twice normal levels since last summer due to panic buying, resulting in consumers facing empty shelves and skyrocketing costs.
Former environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi has taken over the agriculture portfolio, tasked with investigating the rice issue in light of the severe shortages.
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