Keeping with my new rule of "No posting after 1am", it's now 12:45am. ^^' If you don't know what I'm talking about, read my previous post, and you'll be even more confused. ^.~
So...
Japan's Lower House has elected its new prime minister, Taro Aso. (Full news HERE) Prime Minister Aso, as some of you may know, is a manga otaku. Yes, Japan has an otaku for a prime minister...
Effects to the manga industry had started by Aso's candidacy, with shares going up. (Reported by BBC News) Although the recent upheaval on Wall Street may change this. Either way, I'm hoping for the best for the manga world.
On BBC News, Aso is also quoted to saying "It is my hope that manga, through these works, will act as a bridge to the world." And on his official website, he talks about the importance of manga in the world. Unfortunately, it's written entirely in Japanese, so I may try to translate it one day. ^^
Partly coz my religion doesn't get involved with politics whatsoever, partly coz I can't vote in any country and partly coz I have next to no interest in politics, I don't really care who got voted. (My only political view is that since American politics influences the entire world, the entire world should be allowed to vote on their presidents... Ah, a girl can dream, right? lol) I'm just glad that the new Prime Minister actually knows some English, since he studied at Stanford University and at the London School of Economics. Although why these two institutions are ommitted on the profile on his website is a mystery to me. (the link is to the English version of his profile)
I think his overseas education should be mentioned in his profile. The Japanese should be reassured that an international blunder, like the one by Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, will be avoided coz Aso should know how to say "How are you?".
Allow me to explain the major embarrassment Former Prime Minister Mori inflicted upon himself...
During the 26th G8 summit in 2000, Mori was to greet Former President Bill Clinton in English. He was told to memorise the following dialogue:
Mori: How are you?
Clinton: I'm good, thank you, and you?
Mori: Me too.
Instead what happened was:
Mori: Who are you?
Clinton: I'm Hillary's husband, and you?
Mori: Me too.
I don't think Mori would ever live down this mistake... Not if this innocent littler blogger has anything to say about it. lol
Anyway, best of luck to the 68 year young Prime Minister Aso.
