Question from a reader:
Is Shinjirou Koizumi, who lowered the price of rice, really someone we can rely on?
Shinjirou Koizumi and the Future of Rice
Recently, Minister Shinjirou Koizumi has been in the spotlight for offering stockpiled rice at lower prices. While the news of reduced rice prices is welcome, the reality is that the price of newly harvested rice
remains high. Observing this situation raises doubts about whether he is truly a reliable figure.
Release of Stockpiled Rice and the Current State of New Rice
The release of stockpiled rice is merely a temporary measure. The continued rise in the price of new rice reflects fundamental issues within agricultural policy. Minister Koizumi is just beginning to take on his role as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and it cannot be denied that past policies of the Liberal Democratic Party have caused hardships for farmers. For example, recalling how his father, former Prime Minister Junichirou Koizumi, poured 350 trillion yen into foreign capital through postal privatization, a similar trend seems to emerge with Minister Shinjirou. It is perplexing why someone who should be protecting agriculture is advancing policies that threaten farmers.
Media Influence and Manipulation of Public Opinion
While Minister Koizumi is elevated in the media, there seems to be propaganda aimed at vilifying agricultural cooperatives (JA). There are concerns that this may manipulate public opinion to benefit the Liberal Democratic Party. The public is sensitive to this situation, and the importance of voting is becoming more pronounced. Recently, I discussed the significance of voting with a friend. He said, “Not voting is abandoning your opinion,” and that statement resonated with me. I felt that by voting, we can reflect our opinions in the political landscape.
Lastly, Share Your Thoughts
I personally feel anxious about recent agricultural policies. In particular, the difficulty in food supply is a major issue that affects the future of the country. Unless the price of new rice decreases, we common people may have to rely on cheaper imported rice. How do you feel about this? If you have opinions or experiences regarding rice or agricultural policies, please share them in the comments. If we gather our thoughts, it may provide a chance to reflect on this issue, even if just a little.
