Japan's agriculture minister resigns after a rice gaffe causes political fallout

Japan’s agriculture minister has resigned because of political fallout over his comment that he “never had to buy rice” because he got it from supporters as gifts. Many Japanese saw his remark as a sign he was out of touch with economic reality while prices of the country's traditional staple food are setting records. Taku Eto’s gaffe could be further trouble for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s already struggling minority government, which faces a crucial national election in July. The government has released tons of rice from its emergency stockpile, but the latest agricultural ministry statistics show it hasn't helped much.