India, May 24 -- Shinjiro Koizumi tackles entrenched agricultural systems, aiming to modernize Japan's farming, boost food security, and position for future political leadership.

Tokyo: Japan's Agriculture minister, Taku Eto, made a Marie Antoinette-level serious gaffe. At a time of empty rice shelves in some locations, shortages in others, and record prices (that doubled in a year to even $29 for 5 kg in a Tokyo supermarket) he said that he never buys rice because he has so much presented to him by his supporters. After the uproar, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba asked for Mr Eto's resignation. To replace him, the PM has selected the telegenic Shinjiro Koizumi, scion of the political dynasty of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koiz...