Japanese Prime Minister complains that he no longer has time to read comic books

“It’s hard to read comic books as my time is now restricted.” -- Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso

My heart truly goes out to him.

Link (Via Comics Journal)

Previously on Boing Boing:
• Japan's badass new prime minister

[#1 posted by Dirk , October 27, 2008 11:54 AM]

He also said "Fortunately, I have money. I pay by myself... It's my style. I won't change it" when asked about his high-rolling lifestyle.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/japanese-pm-complains-he-is-too-busy-to-read-his-comics/2008/10/27/1224955906506.html

[#2 posted by mellen , October 27, 2008 11:59 AM]

What are his favorite books? Is he a Marvel or a DC man? What does he think about Maus, or Watchmen? Has he checked out "Soon, I will be invincible"?

[#3 posted by Shay Guy , October 27, 2008 12:30 PM]

He'd probably read, you know, Japanese stuff.

Hmm...wonder if he's read Monster?

[#4 posted by Sekino , October 27, 2008 12:36 PM]

@ #2: I strongly suspect he means manga, not American comics.

Hmm...wonder if he's read Monster?

Best.Manga.Ever.

[#5 posted by semiotix , October 27, 2008 12:54 PM]

What the hell is wrong with this guy? You MAKE time, goddammit!

[#6 posted by Uncle_Max , October 27, 2008 1:04 PM]

An important part of being Prime Minister is knowing how to delegate. These unimportant things that are taking your time can easily be covered by subordinates.

[#7 posted by Tamu , October 27, 2008 6:21 PM]

I totally know how this guy feels. Except for the part about running a country.

[#8 posted by frankiez , October 27, 2008 7:02 PM]

Aso rulez! Ysterday he gave a speech in Akihabara: the Japanese geek mecca...
We should elect Aso president of the World so that everyone will have money to buy manga/comics and geek toys.

[#9 posted by Eater of beef , October 27, 2008 9:28 PM]

What's more important than monitoring a final crisis AND a secret invasion?

[#10 posted by drewand1200 , October 27, 2008 11:06 PM]

You guys read that as "Japanese Prime Minister Teara Asso" too, right?

[#11 posted by theWalrus , October 27, 2008 11:11 PM]

Makes one wonder what intellectual pursuits Bush gave up when he became president.

Oh, did I just use "Bush" and "intellectual pursuits" in the same sentence? Damn.

[#12 posted by Anonymous , October 27, 2008 11:49 PM]

Comics are a big deal over there and everybody reads them. It's like an American saying they have no time for TV I suppose.

[#13 posted by Teapunk , October 28, 2008 3:33 AM]

Aso is not just a funny man who like to read manga. He's a nationalist racist, too!

[#14 posted by sonny p fontaine , October 28, 2008 5:20 AM]

he doesn't use the toilet???

[#15 posted by Spherical Time , October 28, 2008 6:19 AM]

Makes one wonder what intellectual pursuits Bush gave up when he became president.

On the contrary, I bet Bush has lots of time to read comic books. Or play solitaire. Or however he spends most of his time in the oval office.

[#16 posted by airship , October 28, 2008 6:52 AM]

He reads comics, leads a major industrial nation, AND looks like an Asian James Bond.

Why can't we have a leader like that?

[#17 posted by Jake0748 , October 28, 2008 11:43 AM]

Doesn't he mean graphic novels?

[#18 posted by Antinous , October 28, 2008 11:44 AM]

Doesn't he mean graphic novels?

Or he could mean Archie.

[#19 posted by Jake0748 , November 4, 2008 8:46 PM]

Archie rules, dude.

[#20 posted by Takuan , November 4, 2008 9:03 PM]

Jake? dat you man?

[#21 posted by Jake0748 , November 4, 2008 9:09 PM]

Yez, it is eye.

Happy New President. :D