Ex-environment chief Koizumi picked as new Japan farm minister
May 21, 2025
Shinjiro Koizumi, former Environment Minister, was appointed as Japan’s new farm minister following Taku Eto’s resignation. Koizumi aims to address public concerns about rising rice prices.
>Koizumi said he will give priority to easing public worries about surging rice prices.
Koizumi has made no secret about his ambition to become Prime Minister. He has more popularity among the Japanese public than any other contenders in his party but his problem has always been that the decision makers on who gets to be PM are the MPs and elders in his party.
That said, Koizumi *knows* how to perform for the public. He immediately says that he will give priority about the rice prices so i would expect him to take a lot of action instead of the wait-and-see approach of the previous incumbent.
He will have a tough fight on his hands though. JA and their associated lobby plus those who are hoarding the rice are immensely influential.
He does have a ‘nuclear option’ though. He can suspend tariffs on rice imports which will immediately crater rice prices.
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At least he has bought rice before 🙂
>Koizumi said he will give priority to easing public worries about surging rice prices.
Koizumi has made no secret about his ambition to become Prime Minister. He has more popularity among the Japanese public than any other contenders in his party but his problem has always been that the decision makers on who gets to be PM are the MPs and elders in his party.
That said, Koizumi *knows* how to perform for the public. He immediately says that he will give priority about the rice prices so i would expect him to take a lot of action instead of the wait-and-see approach of the previous incumbent.
He will have a tough fight on his hands though. JA and their associated lobby plus those who are hoarding the rice are immensely influential.
He does have a ‘nuclear option’ though. He can suspend tariffs on rice imports which will immediately crater rice prices.
Shinjiro : rice is actually very sexy