Japan's Agriculture Minister Taku Etō apologized after controversial remarks about never needing to buy rice due to gifts from supporters, which angered citizens facing high food prices. His comments, made at a fundraising event, were perceived as insensitive amid rising rice costs and food security concerns. The backlash comes as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's party faces low approval ratings ahead of elections, with rice prices continuing to rise due to crop damage and increased demand. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)