"'Mangwonjejo-gi' Aso, Japan LDP Vice President: 'Rice Tastes Better Thanks to Global Warming'"

▲Taro Aso, Deputy President of the Liberal Democratic Party

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Taro Aso, the vice president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, known as the "controversy generator," has once again come under fire for inappropriate remarks ahead of the general election.

According to Kyodo News on the 26th, Vice President Aso said during a street speech to voters in Otaru City, Hokkaido, the previous day, "Thanks to global warming, Hokkaido's rice has become more delicious."

He stated, "When you hear global warming, only the negative aspects are mentioned, but there are also positive points."

Regarding the improvement in the taste of Hokkaido rice, which had been criticized in the past, Vice President Aso added, "Is it thanks to the farmers? No. It's because the temperature has risen."

As climate change response has emerged as an important issue in the international community, with major countries including Japan setting targets to reduce carbon emissions and accelerating their efforts, Aso's remarks highlighting the positive aspects of global warming sparked criticism on the internet.

Takku Yamazoe, a member of the House of Councillors from the Japanese Communist Party, pointed out on Twitter that "this statement reveals how lax the awareness of the climate crisis is."

He was also criticized for disregarding the efforts of agricultural workers.

Twitter user 'Narodovlastiye' wrote, "He trampled on decades of breeding efforts at agricultural experiment stations with a single remark," adding, "Completely disqualified as a politician who should protect our food."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, when asked about Aso's remarks at a press conference on the 26th, said, "I will refrain from commenting," but mentioned, "The decline in (rice) quality due to rising temperatures has already been confirmed nationwide."

Aso, 81 years old and aiming for his 14th term as a member of the House of Representatives, is known for his blunt speech.

Last year, he was even ranked as Japan's worst politician for making sexist remarks.