Agriculture Minister Says He Gets So Much Free Rice He Could Sell It

TOKYO, May 19 (News On Japan) - Agriculture Minister Taketaka Eto of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party stated during a speech in Saga City on May 18th that he has never purchased rice, explaining, "I receive a lot from supporters—enough that I could practically sell it. That's how much is in my household pantry."

The remarks came to light on May 19th and are drawing criticism as potentially inappropriate, especially at a time when the public is burdened by surging rice prices and growing living costs.

Source: Kyodo

Palm Tree Falls Near Cannes Film Festival Venue, Injures Japanese Film Worker

A palm tree collapsed near the venue of the Cannes International Film Festival in France on May 17th, seriously injuring a Japanese film industry professional in his 30s.

UK Tourists in Shorts Stranded on Snowy Hokkaido Peak Rescued by Helicopter

Two foreign tourists were rescued by helicopter on May 13th after becoming stranded due to the cold on Mt. Yotei in Kutchan, Hokkaido’s Shiribeshi region, where snow still remains at higher elevations.

Baby Boom at North Safari Sapporo Despite Eviction Plans

Spring has brought a wave of newborn animals to North Safari Sapporo, a privately run zoo in Minami Ward, Sapporo City, even as the facility remains under pressure to remove illegal structures and relocate its animals.

Southern Kyushu Enters Rainy Season Earlier Than Okinawa for First Time in 49 Years

Southern Kyushu has entered the rainy season, marking the first time in 49 years that it has done so earlier than Okinawa. It is also the earliest rainy season start for any region in Japan since the Meteorological Agency began keeping records. Authorities are warning of heavy rainfall not only in Kyushu but across other parts of the country as well.

Saitama Road Collapse Recovery to Take 5-7 Years

A road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture is expected to take five to seven years to fully restore, local officials said on Friday, following the recovery of a truck cab that had remained lodged in the sewer system since the January accident.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Agriculture Minister Says He Gets So Much Free Rice He Could Sell It

Agriculture Minister Taketaka Eto of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party stated during a speech in Saga City on May 18th that he has never purchased rice, explaining, "I receive a lot from supporters—enough that I could practically sell it. That's how much is in my household pantry."

Okinawa Protesters March Around U.S. Bases

A peace march calling for the reduction of the burden caused by U.S. military bases was held in Okinawa on May 17th, marking 53 years since the prefecture's reversion to Japan.

Cabinet Approves Pension Reform Bill Without Support for Ice Age Generation

The government approved a long-awaited pension reform bill in a cabinet meeting on May 16th, aiming to eliminate the so-called "1.06 million yen barrier" that has prevented many part-time workers from enrolling in the welfare pension system.

Japan Begins Security Clearance System to Boost International Cooperation, But Privacy Fears Remain

Japan has launched its new "security clearance" system, which restricts access to sensitive economic security information to individuals deemed suitable through a national screening process. The program, which began operation on May 15th, is intended to enhance international collaboration by aligning Japan’s information handling standards with those of key allies.

Japan Aims for 1% Real Wage Growth

The Japanese government has set a new wage policy target aimed at achieving a real wage increase of around 1% by fiscal 2029, taking inflation into account. To support this goal, it plans to mobilize public and private investment totaling approximately 60 trillion yen over the next five years to boost corporate productivity.