Embattled agriculture minister Taku Eto resigned his post Wednesday, following a growing public backlash after insensitive remarks over the price of rice.

Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is expected to replace Eto, according to media reports.

“I wasn’t able to understand the feelings of the people,” Eto told reporters after submitting his resignation to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, apologizing again for his remarks to supporters Sunday.