Japan minister quits over free rice gaffe

TOKYO, May 21 (AFP): Japan's farm minister resigned Wednesday after saying he never buys rice because he gets it free, a remark that drew public fury in a country facing soaring food prices.

"Just now I submitted my resignation to Prime Minister (Shigeru) Ishiba," Taku Eto told reporters at the premier's office.

Japan's government has released some of its emergency stockpile of the grain in recent months, with Eto weeks ago lamenting the "hardship" felt by consumers.

But addressing a gathering last weekend, Eto said he had "never bought rice myself because my supporters donate so much to me that I can practically sell".

Eto's comment hit a nerve in a nation where the price of the much-loved grain has nearly doubled year-on-year, according to figures published in April.