Japanese elections are as a rule more civilized than their U.S. counterparts, but that doesn't stop them from enjoying the American political "matsuri."
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
Japanese elections are as a rule more civilized than their U.S. counterparts, but that doesn't stop them from enjoying the American political "matsuri."
The idea that whoever won the 2008 Democratic nomination would make history was exciting for the Japanese, and crowds gathered in Tokyo bars to celebrate Barack Obama's election.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
The idea that whoever won the 2008 Democratic nomination would make history was exciting for the Japanese, and crowds gathered in Tokyo bars to celebrate Barack Obama's election.
The U.S. and Japan are close allies, but many Japanese resent -- and here in 2009, protested -- the heavy U.S. military presence in Okinawa.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
The U.S. and Japan are close allies, but many Japanese resent -- and here in 2009, protested -- the heavy U.S. military presence in Okinawa.
With Japan continuing to wrangle with how to rebuild its tsunami-devastated coast, it's no surprise the country's not riveted to the lead-up of the election race.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
With Japan continuing to wrangle with how to rebuild its tsunami-devastated coast, it's no surprise the country's not riveted to the lead-up of the election race.
One aspect of U.S. politics Japan craves is stability -- the country has had four prime ministers (including Taro Oso, left) since Obama took office in 2009.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
One aspect of U.S. politics Japan craves is stability -- the country has had four prime ministers (including Taro Oso, left) since Obama took office in 2009.
The election isn't too high on the Japanese radar yet. The announcement that Atsuko Maeda (front, 4th from right) was leaving mega-pop idol group AKB48 got more breathless coverage in Tokyo than Rick Santorum got in the U.S. when he quit the Republican primary.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
The election isn't too high on the Japanese radar yet. The announcement that Atsuko Maeda (front, 4th from right) was leaving mega-pop idol group AKB48 got more breathless coverage in Tokyo than Rick Santorum got in the U.S. when he quit the Republican primary.
The role of religion in U.S. politics has piqued the curiosity of the Japanese media, however, and newspapers have published pieces describing the role of Mormonism (Mitt Romney, shown during a 2006 trip to Japan, is a Mormon) in the upcoming U.S. election.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
The role of religion in U.S. politics has piqued the curiosity of the Japanese media, however, and newspapers have published pieces describing the role of Mormonism (Mitt Romney, shown during a 2006 trip to Japan, is a Mormon) in the upcoming U.S. election.
Obama drew heavy criticism from conservative U.S. commentators for "grovelling" to a foreign leader when he greeted Japanese Emperor Akihito with a bow on a visit to Tokyo in 2009.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
Obama drew heavy criticism from conservative U.S. commentators for "grovelling" to a foreign leader when he greeted Japanese Emperor Akihito with a bow on a visit to Tokyo in 2009.
George W. Bush had his own Japan-related gaffe in 2002 when he said that he and then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi had discussed devaluing the Japanese yen -- an announcement that caused a brief panic for world markets.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
George W. Bush had his own Japan-related gaffe in 2002 when he said that he and then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi had discussed devaluing the Japanese yen -- an announcement that caused a brief panic for world markets.
Despite fluctuating popularity at home, Obama is a hit in Japan, and a translated book of his speeches was a top seller on Japanese Amazon in 2009.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
Despite fluctuating popularity at home, Obama is a hit in Japan, and a translated book of his speeches was a top seller on Japanese Amazon in 2009.
Residents of a coastal Japanese city called Obama formed the "Obama for Obama" group in 2008, complete with hula dancers.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
Residents of a coastal Japanese city called Obama formed the "Obama for Obama" group in 2008, complete with hula dancers.
Obama residents even made limited edition canned bread to commemorate Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
Obama residents even made limited edition canned bread to commemorate Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009.
Obamans washed down that tasty canned bread with commemorative Barack Obama sake.
Election 2012: Postcard from Tokyo —
Obamans washed down that tasty canned bread with commemorative Barack Obama sake.