A Guardian report says that the new prime minister, Taro Aso, of Japan is a great fan of manga and anime. And, he is no youngster. The 68-year-old apparently has a voluminous manga and anime collection and reads about 10-20 comics a week and 'has become an instant hero among Japan's subculture of manga-obsessives (or otaku ...)' He is, also, reported to have caused a surge in the comic market.The report adds: '... Aso is a self-assured, rich, wisecracking aristocrat who believes his fellow otaku and their manga and anime related obsessions can lift Japan out of its current economic hole. It's what's being called "soft power" - the diplomatic and economic clout of a nation's pop culture. In this case it is Japan's formidable comic-based culture that has conquered the youth of the west in spectacular fashion, starting with Pokemon.'
We know that George W doesn't like broccoli. Does he read comics? That would be great. It will be a real comic summit.
The Guardian
