HYOGO, Jul 30 (News On Japan) –
The mayor of Joetsu City, Kanta Nakagawa, who sparked controversy by saying “Sanda’s rice is bad,” traveled to Hyogo Prefecture to personally apologize to the folks of Sanda, together with its mayor and native farmers.
Nakagawa, who spent his junior excessive and highschool years in Sanda, made the controversial comment in early July, saying, “The rice is bad, but the sake is good.” The remark prompted Sanda Mayor Katsuya Tamura to ship a proper letter of protest, main Nakagawa to concern a public apology.
During his go to on July twenty ninth, Nakagawa was served a bowl of freshly cooked Sanda rice. Without saying a phrase, he quietly completed each grain, often sipping tea and nibbling pickles. When requested concerning the style, he mentioned, “It was chewy and genuinely delicious.”
Nakagawa met first with Tamura, providing a deep apology: “I sincerely apologize for causing distress with my extremely careless and inappropriate remark.”
He then visited native rice farmers and once more expressed remorse: “I deeply reflect on having made everyone uncomfortable and am truly sorry.” One farmer responded, “It made us feel a bit bad, honestly. We work hard to grow this rice, and we hope you understand that.”
After touring rice manufacturing websites, Nakagawa addressed a gaggle of farmers straight: “What you have built up through hard work was disrespected by my thoughtless and inconsiderate words. I again offer my deepest apologies.”
Some farmers voiced severe issues following the comment, saying, “What happens if Sanda rice prices fall or sales decline? Will Joetsu take responsibility?”
In response to the issues and in an effort to make amends, Nakagawa proposed organizing a promotional occasion for Sanda rice, as soon as once more apologizing: “I truly regret causing so much distress. I’m deeply sorry.”
Nakagawa is at present going through a name to resign from the Joetsu City Council over his comment. Whether this spherical of public apologies can be sufficient to revive public belief stays to be seen.
Source: FNN