Japan’s farm minister Taku Eto apologised on Monday after saying he had “never had to buy rice” thanks to gifts from supporters, angering consumers grappling with sky-high prices for the staple food.
Footage aired by public broadcaster NHK showed Eto at a lectern making the comments at the event on Sunday, including how he “had enough (rice) to sell.”
Several factors including massive protectionism (700% tariffs anyone?) and government policies explicitly meant to keep prices high. This is, above anything else, a self-own by the Japanese government.
The Japanese government and unorthodox fiscal policy—name a more iconic combo.
Fries and a vanilla shake
I don’t think I know anyone that orders that
I do! Sometimes I even drink the shake through the fry.