How Japan’s ricegate reveals political crisis Opinion by Financial Times

In a sharp and satirical opinion published by the Financial Times, Japan’s recent “ricegate” is dissected not just as another political misstep, but as a reflection of deeper systemic failures in governance, empathy, and economic foresight. The article, which explores the fall of Japan’s agriculture minister Taku Eto and the troubling remarks of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, offers a damning portrait of a political establishment seemingly detached from the lived realities of ordinary citizens.

The piece begins with the resignation of Eto, who flaunted his personal abundance of rice while millions of Japanese citizens grappled with record-high prices and empty supermarket shelves. His comment — “I have never bought rice, to be honest, because my supporters give me a lot of rice” — was not merely tone-deaf, but symbolised the political elite’s disconnect from the inflationary struggles of the populace. His downfall was swift, but the damage was emblematic of broader failures.

What makes this episode particularly potent is the context. Japan is currently enduring a wrenching transition after two decades of price stagnation and moribund wage growth. Inflation, for most developed economies, might signal recovery. But in Japan, where inflation-adjusted wages are falling, and household budgets are under stress, it feels profoundly disorienting. The doubling of rice prices — a staple ingrained in the national psyche — is not just an economic inconvenience but a cultural shock.

Adding to this mishandling was Prime Minister Ishiba’s nationalist flourish during ongoing US-Japan trade talks: “I won’t sacrifice the rice industry to protect the car industry.” Though less scandalous in tone than Eto’s gaffe, Ishiba’s remark was arguably more consequential. It demonstrated an unwillingness to consider pragmatic compromises — particularly when the automotive sector, not farming, drives Japan’s innovation, exports, and employment.

Farming, despite its cultural weight, now employs a fraction of the workforce compared to the automotive industry. Meanwhile, policies dating back decades have discouraged rice production to keep prices artificially high, while protectionist trade barriers have shielded the domestic market from foreign competition. As inflation and global geopolitical instability increase pressure on food and trade systems, clinging to outdated protections could prove economically self-defeating.

The article ultimately paints a picture of a government out of touch with its citizens and stuck in nostalgia. While food security is vital and cultural heritage deserves respect, the refusal to adapt — whether in trade, innovation, or economic policy — threatens Japan’s long-term stability. Sacrifices may be necessary, and in a choice between rice and the auto industry, the nation’s future clearly leans toward the latter.

Japan need not worry about rice shortages — at least as long as they know where to find one former minister with plenty to spare.

By Sabina Mammadli