Koizumi Leaving His Mark on Japan

[Steve Bildermann]

As an outsider with a flamboyant style and a penchant for heavy-metal music, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi once seemed more like a passing fad than a leader who would make a lasting imprint on tradition-bound Japan.

But as he enters his fourth year in power on Monday - a milestone achieved by only five of Japan's 26 postwar premiers - Koizumi has wrought dramatic changes in defense policy and broken with conventions about the way Cabinet members are chosen.

http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040425/API/404250659

With his preference for popular music and permed silver hair, Koizumi flew in the face of Japan's typically ultra-conservative politicians when he was elected three years ago. He was famously called a "weirdo" by his most ardent supporter, politician Makiko Tanaka.

On Sunday, Koizumi's ruling party snapped up all three parliamentary seats at special elections in a show of support for Koizumi.

Profile of Koizumi



Koizumi's Ex-Wife and Third Son Appeared on TV

A teen-ager separated by divorce from his famous father announces in a TV interview he wants a little paternal bonding.

The 18-year-old man was the youngest son of Japan's prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi.

The teen-ager says he's never even met his father, and saw him only once from afar. He doesn't use the father's last name.

[DJEB]

With his preference for popular music and permed silver hair, Koizumi flew in the face of Japan's typically ultra-conservative politicians when he was elected three years ago. He was famously called a "weirdo" by his most ardent supporter, politician Makiko Tanaka.

He'll always be henjin to me.

Look! Koizumi and his boss!!!

And his boss will alway be moron.