TOKYO -- Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Shinjiro Koizumi appeared on a TV Tokyo program on the night of May 26 and hinted it would be possible to increase rice imports, stating, "I won't deny any options." This stance diverges from that of the previous farm minister, Taku Eto, who had said, "I have serious doubts (about rice import expansion) as to whether it would address long-term public concerns."
Below are Koizumi's key remarks:
On the possibility of more flexible rice imports
"Currently, Ryosei Akazawa, the minister in charge of economic revitalization, is responsible for the (Japan-U.S.) tariff negotiations, so I don't want to overly restrict the negotiator's freedom. However, as agriculture minister, I do not want him to deal our cards lightly. This is because there are things Japan must protect. That said, what I can say at this moment is that I am also facing the market and that's where my battles are, so I won't deny any options at this point. I'm prepared to use every card and do everything possible. I want you to understand that I am approaching this with that mindset."
On temporary imports
"For example, there was a time when avian influenza led to a shortage of fresh eggs, and we conducted emergency imports from Brazil. When there's a shortage, we import them as an emergency measure, and this applies to other items as well. But rice has been treated as a sanctuary, and that's how we've approached it. Currently, the situation is such that there is not enough to meet society's demands. The market, wholesalers and various players are holding back (rice) out of fear of shortages, releasing supplies little by little. Until we resolve this situation, prices won't decrease. Considering this, I won't say more, but I am considering all options and will do everything possible. I want you to understand that I am approaching this with that mindset."
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