Japan’s Agriculture Minister Tetsushi Sakamoto resigned on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, following widespread backlash over comments he made that were widely perceived as dismissive of Japan’s historic and culturally vital rice industry. His resignation marks the latest political misstep for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s administration, which continues to face sliding approval ratings ahead of next year’s national elections.
The scandal erupted after Sakamoto, during a private industry gathering last week, reportedly joked that “rice farmers should stop whining” and implied that Japan should focus more on global food trends like quinoa and soy-based products. The comments were leaked to the media, sparking outrage from both farmers and lawmakers across party lines.
“The role of the agriculture minister is to support our farmers — not belittle them,” said an opposition member from the Constitutional Democratic Party. “This kind of arrogance is unacceptable.”
Cultural and Economic Reverberations
Rice is not just a staple food in Japan — it is deeply woven into the country’s culture, economy, and identity. From Shinto rituals to regional festivals and traditional cuisine, rice cultivation has long been seen as symbolic of national heritage.
Sakamoto’s comments were seen as particularly offensive amid growing pressure on Japan’s agricultural sector, which is struggling with an aging workforce, shrinking rural populations, and import competition. Many local farmers viewed his remarks as a betrayal by a government that has promised to support domestic food producers.
“This wasn’t just a gaffe — it was a slap in the face,” said Hiroshi Yamamoto, a rice grower in Niigata Prefecture. “We work in all conditions, with dignity and tradition. To be mocked like this is shameful.”
Political Fallout for Kishida
Prime Minister Kishida accepted Sakamoto’s resignation quickly, calling the remarks “regrettable” and promising to rebuild trust with the nation’s agricultural communities.
“Rice farmers are the backbone of our national food security,” Kishida said at a press conference. “We will continue to support them with policies rooted in respect and sustainability.”
This is the fourth cabinet resignation within Kishida’s government over the past 12 months, raising questions about internal discipline and the prime minister’s leadership as he navigates both economic challenges and international diplomatic commitments — including tense regional relations with China and North Korea.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is already under pressure ahead of next year’s upper house elections, with recent polls showing Kishida’s approval rating below 30%, the lowest of his term.
Sakamoto’s Successor and Public Reaction
Sakamoto’s replacement is expected to be announced later this week, with analysts predicting a likely move toward someone with strong rural credentials or regional political influence to calm the fallout. Potential candidates include former agriculture vice ministers and lawmakers with ties to farming co-operatives.
Meanwhile, social media in Japan has been ablaze with criticism and satire targeting the outgoing minister. The hashtag #RiceIsLife trended nationwide, with users posting photos of local harvests, traditional rice dishes, and family farming histories as a show of cultural pride.
Future of Japan’s Agricultural Policy
Japan’s agricultural sector remains a politically sensitive area, with rising debates over food self-sufficiency, climate resilience, and young farmer recruitment. The incident has renewed calls for more inclusive policymaking that reflects the realities of rural Japan rather than urban-centric economic thinking.
As Tokyo faces a delicate balancing act between trade liberalization and domestic protection, Sakamoto’s downfall is a stark reminder that dismissing tradition — especially one as central as rice — carries heavy political cost.
Whether Kishida can recover lost ground among rural voters remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: mocking the nation’s rice bowl can topple even the most seasoned cabinet member.
Source; Reuters
