Japan’s agriculture minister resigns over rice gaffe – why is the staple in short supply?

Japan’s new agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi vowed to bring down prices of rice, after his predecessor was forced to resign over a gaffe. Taku Eto had caused an uproar after joking he never had to buy rice thanks to donations from his supporters, touching many a raw nerve . But why is the country facing a crisis? Some analysts blame longrunning government policy for the shortage. Plus, Marks and Spencer says a recent cyberattack will wipe out nearly a third of its annual profits.