Aso, who has made headlines in the past with contentious remarks, said in a July 19 speech: "Ordinary (Japanese) rice is sold at about ¥16,000 per (60-kg) bag here, but it is ¥78,000 in China. ¥16,000 and ¥78,000, which is expensive? Even people with Alzheimer's disease could understand."

He apparently made the comments to encourage Japanese rice exports to China. But the minister admitted to reporters later July 19 that he had made inept remarks in the speech and apologized.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 28, 2007
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