TOKYO — Japan's agriculture minister resigned Wednesday because of political fallout over recent comments that he "never had to buy rice" because he got it from supporters as gifts. The resignation comes as the public struggles with record high prices of the country's traditional staple food.

Taku Eto's comment, which many Japanese saw as out of touch with the difficult economic realities they face, came at a seminar Sunday in Saga prefecture. Politically, the gaffe could be further trouble for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's already struggling minority government, which faces a crucial national election in July. A loss could mean a new government or that Ishiba would have to step down.

"I made an extremely inappropriate remark at a time when consumers are struggling with soaring rice pr

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