Japanese Politics

Junichiro Koizumi

In 2001 Junichiro Koizumi was named LDP’s 20^th president and Japan’s 56^th Prime Minister. He served as a Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006. After he left his post in 2006, he dragged Japanese politics into “the age of celebrity”. Prime Ministers who took his place after him (Shinzo Abe, Yasuo Fukuda, and Taro Aso) could no longer be colourless. They attracted a lot of attention to themselves.

Koizumi was known for economic reforms, which were focused on Japan’s government’s debt and the privatization of its postal service. Also, he had a lot of attention outside Japan because of his willingness to locate Japan Self-Defense Forces during the war in Iraq. His visits to Yasukuni, a Shinto Shrine honouring Japan’s war dead as well as several war criminals, led to diplomatic tensions with China and South Korea.

“The most interesting thing about Junichiro Koizumi is that he is interesting. Most Japanese Prime Ministers before him have been dull figures.” He stood out as a good-looking with grown-out permed hair individualist. He always did things his own way. “Like all media stars, he has cultivated a style that people can recognize.”

He is divorced, has a preference for Armani suits and heavy metal music. He released a karaoke CD where he is singing Elvis Presley songs. In his honour a mint flavour chewing gum was named. More than a politician, he was a pop idol.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1187224,00.html

The first photo I took from a Kansai Scene Magazine (Issue 102/Nov 2008).

The last two photos were taken in Okinawa. The poster says: “Change, reform! Will not let the tax rise to 11%! If I’ll be given a chance to do it, I’ll do it!” Barack Obama…???