The member of the House of Representatives Shinjiro Koizumi, who was dismissed for his controversial remark that there is no need to live because 'rice is piled up,' has taken steps to soothe public sentiment.
According to local media, including Kyodo News and FNN, Shinjiro Koizumi, the second son of former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, was appointed as Japan's new Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on the 21st.
On the same day, Koizumi was informed of his appointment by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the prime minister's official residence and accepted it. He expressed his determination to focus on resolving the rice issue, stating that he received instructions from Prime Minister Ishiba that 'now is all about rice.'
After meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba, he told reporters, 'I received a specific directive that strong policies are necessary to ensure stable prices for consumers,' adding, 'I will do my utmost to respond quickly to the steep rise in rice prices that cause the public the most anxiety in their daily lives.'
Regarding the previous minister's statement that 'I have never purchased rice,' which caused controversy, he pointed out, 'It is clear that such remarks should not have been made at a time when the public is feeling anxious about rice.' He continued, saying, 'I buy various types of rice,' and 'I also purchase instant rice when I need to save time because my son and daughter are still young.'
He emphasized, 'Like those who feel anxious about rice now, I personally realize how great the anxiety can be if there is no rice in supermarkets or stores,' and said, 'I will promote rice policy from the perspective of consumers with that sense.'
In response to criticisms that he lacks qualifications as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, he stated, 'What I emphasized when I received the proposal yesterday is that what is important in this situation is to make judgments that are not bound by interests, rather than considerations for organizations or groups.'
Born in 1981, Koizumi is the second son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and a six-term member of the House of Representatives from the Liberal Democratic Party. He first won election at age 28 in the 2008 House of Representatives election and was appointed as Minister of the Environment at age 38 in 2019 in the Shinzo Abe cabinet, making him the third youngest minister after World War II.
He is famously known as 'Fun, Cool, and Sexy' in Korea. His remark at an environmental event in New York City in 2019 that 'we must respond to big issues like climate change in a fun, cool, and sexy way' stirred controversy and earned him the nickname 'Fun, Cool, and Sexy' in Korea.
Previously, former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Taku Eto sparked controversy by stating, 'I have never purchased rice, even though supporters have given me enough to sell rice,' while rice prices continued to rise sharply. There was a surge of criticism within Japanese society, with calls for resignation from the opposition as well. Prime Minister Ishiba remained tight-lipped about the possibility of dismissal, but ultimately, Eto resigned on the 21st, three days after the controversial remark.