According to reports, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has decided to appoint former LDP election strategy chief Shinjiro Koizumi to replace Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Takumi Eito, who resigned due to a gaffe. This marks the first significant cabinet reshuffle since Kishida's administration took office. Koizumi will face the daunting challenge of surging rice prices in Japan.

Eito officially submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Kishida on the 21st, which has been accepted. He previously stated publicly, "I’ve never bought rice; my supporters give me enough to sell," provoking outrage over his lack of empathy for agricultural livelihoods.

Currently, rice prices in Japan continue to soar, with the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries showing that the average price of white rice for sale in supermarkets has risen to 4268 yen for 5 kilograms, doubling from last year's 2108 yen.

Former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Japan, Norihiro Iwata, indicated that the government's planned production policy for rice is a critical factor in maintaining high prices. Koizumi, born into a political family and previously serving as Minister of the Environment, is expected to bring practical experience to agricultural policies.