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Japan’s Farm Minister Sparks Uproar with "Never Bought Rice" Comment

Date: 19-may-2025 | By: Nuztrend Team

Japan’s Farm Minister Sparks Uproar with "Never Bought Rice" Comment

Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tetsuro Nomura, found himself under fire on May 19, 2025, after publicly stating that he had “never had to buy rice.” The remark, delivered during a Diet session, quickly went viral—drawing intense criticism from opposition leaders, farmers, and the general public.

Political Privilege and Public Disconnect

Many interpreted Nomura’s statement as evidence of the growing disconnect between political elites and everyday citizens, especially those working in agriculture. Rice remains a cultural and economic staple in Japan, and the comment was seen as dismissive of the industry’s challenges.

“It’s astonishingly tone-deaf for the agriculture minister to admit this so casually,” said opposition lawmaker Aiko Tanaka. “Farmers are struggling, and this shows a deep lack of empathy.”

The controversy has sparked broader conversations about government subsidies, food self-sufficiency, and the credibility of leadership overseeing Japan’s domestic agriculture policy.

Formal Apology Issued

Later the same day, Minister Nomura issued a public apology, stating that his comments were “thoughtless and inappropriate” and did not reflect his appreciation for Japan’s farmers or rice industry.

Despite the apology, calls for his resignation have emerged across political lines. A formal censure motion is now under discussion in the House of Representatives.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from various online sources. We do not claim absolute accuracy or completeness. Readers are advised to cross-check facts independently before forming conclusions.

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