Scandal erupts in Japan over confessions by agriculture minister

A scandal is brewing in the Japanese government around the statements of Agriculture Minister Taku Eto, Report informs via the Saga Shimbun newspaper.

"I feel responsible (for the issue of rising rice prices). But in fact, I have never bought rice myself. Those who support me give me gifts, and so much that it's time to sell it," he said, speaking at a paid meeting to collect donations in support of the Liberal Democratic Party in Saga Prefecture.

The statement was made against the backdrop of an unprecedented rise in rice prices in recent months - doubling year-on-year. To combat this, the government was forced to start selling rice from state reserves for the first time in history in peacetime and without natural disasters. Initially, the measure was temporary, but since rice prices continued to rise, the government extended it until July.