Eto is a politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).

Eto was a short lived Minister of Defense starting from September, when he was appointed to his position due to a cabinet reshuffle but ending in December 2014.

He declined continuing his post after the 2014 snap election due to being embroiled in a political funding scandal, where he and two other cabinet members was accused by opposition parties of alleged influence peddling, improper donations and/or issues in reporting on political funds.

[1][2] Analysts say his handling of questions relating to the scandal was considered too weak and was a major reason for Abe to replace him with Gen Nakatani, who is seen as a stronger figure.

[3] Like Abe and most members of the Cabinet, he is affiliated with the openly revisionist organization Nippon Kaigi.