News
Prime Minister Asō Goes Cherry Blossom Viewing with AKB48 (Updated)
posted on by Egan Loo
Not-So-Daily Link of the Day: Tarō Asō, the current prime minister of Japan and a self-professed manga fan, marked the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing on Saturday with the otaku-oriented AKB48 idol group, manga and anime pioneer Leiji Matsumoto (Space Battleship Yamato, Space Pirate Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999), comedian Gekidan Hitori, and other celebrities. About 11,000 people attended the "Sakura o Miru Kai" at Tokyo's Shinjuku Gyōen National Garden.
The Sankei Sports newspaper has posted photos of Asō posing with AKB48, actress Tamao Satou (Choriki Sentai Ohranger, Pikachu's Rescue Adventure, Suicide Club), and actress Maju Ozawa (Kamen Rider Agito: Project G4, Itazura na Kiss).
Source: Sankei Sports
Update: The Sankei Shimbunpaper has posted additional photos, including one with Asō and Keiko Takeshita (Hi no Tori, Phoenix 2772 - Space Firebird, Swan Lake).
this article has been modified since it was originally posted; see change history