The resignation comes as the public struggles with record high prices of the country’s traditional staple food.

Japanese Minister of Agriculture Taku Eto stepped down from his office after making a remark about rice that many in the public found out of touch with budget-conscious consumers. Eto allegedly told the audience at a fundraising party on Sunday that he has “never bought rice” due to the amount of it gifted to him.

Japan’s agriculture minister has resigned because of political fallout over his comment that he “never had to buy rice” because he got it from supporters as gifts.