Japan: Politics Over Rice and Reform In Japan | Reduced Rice Price Triggered Revolt | World DNA

Japan: Politics Over Rice and Reform In Japan | Reduced Rice Price Triggered Revolt | World DNA

And political uncertainty is peaking in Japan just days before a critical upper house election. Of course, this election could decide the fate of Prime Minister Shiger Ishiba’s fragile government. 125 of the 248 upper house seats will be up for grabs in the election on the 20th of July. The ruling coalition must win at least 50 to retain its majority. But public frustration is boiling over amid rising inflation, political scandals and deepening rural discontent. Now at the center of the storm is agriculture minister Shinjiro Kisumi, a rising star and the son of former prime minister Junichiro Koisumi who has become the face of the government’s high-risk reform first strategy. Nicknamed the rice minister by Sam Koisumi shocked traditional rural waters when he slashed rice prices by directly releasing government stockpiles and dropping the bag the cost of a 5 kilo bag from over $27 to about $23. He bypassed long-standing agricultural networks and told skeptical farmers that if prices stayed high, consumers would stop eating rice altogether. While urban households applauded the move during a time of rising food costs, the backlash in Japan’s aging countryside has been sharp. For decades, rice farmers formed a key part of the ruling LDP’s base. But now, many feel abandoned as their profits vanish and political loyalty ros. The sensitivity of rice politics in Japan is nothing new. Just last year, then fare minister Takuito was forced to resign after he said that he never buys rice because his supporters just give it to him for free. This comment of course was made while the country faced record high rice prices and food shortages. The backlash was swift, brutal, reminding politicians that rice is personal and public trust is fragile. Now the gamble is clear. Rebuild support among urban waters feeling the pinch even at the cost of alienating the rural heartland. With Japan’s farming population shrinking and aging rapidly, Quisumi’s reforms reflect a broader shift in LDP priorities. But it’s a gamble that could cause Prime Minister Ishiba dearly. Polls suggest the coalition could fall short of its target and a loss on the 20th of July could trigger Ishiba’s resignation and end the ruling blocks grip on Parliament. It could potentially set the stage for a new political alignment. Now, as voters prepare to cast their ballot, the question looms. Will Kuisumi’s bold moves save the LDP LDP or end up unraveling it even further? [Music]

In Japan, where politicians usually favor caution over confrontation, Shinjiro Koizumi is proving to be an exception.

#japan #election #worldnews

About Channel:

WION The World is One News examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world. With our Global headquarters in New Delhi, we bring you news on the hour, by the hour. We deliver information that is not biased. We are journalists who are neutral to the core and non-partisan when it comes to world politics. People are tired of biased reportage and we stand for a globalized united world. So for us, the World is truly One.

Please keep discussions on this channel clean and respectful and refrain from using racist or sexist slurs and personal insults.

Subscribe to our channel at https://goo.gl/JfY3NI
Check out our website: http://www.wionews.com
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://bit.ly/455YOQ0
Connect with us on our social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIONews
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WIONews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wionews/
Follow us on Google News for the latest updates

Zee News:- https://bit.ly/2Ac5G60
Zee Business:- https://bit.ly/36vI2xa
DNA India:- https://bit.ly/2ZDuLRY
WION: https://bit.ly/3gnDb5J
Zee News Apps: https://bit.ly/ZeeNewsApps