Japanese Political Fashion Faux Pas: One Way to Lose Voters

The Prime Minister of Japan, Yukio Hatoyama, made one mistake no politician should ever consciously make: dress inappropriately for a public event. Hatoyama was appearing at a barbecue in Tokyo where Japanese voters were also present, trying to recover from a sliding popularity rate when he wore a checkered red, blue, green, yellow, and purple shirt, with each color forming a section of the shirt. Well, this shirt was definitely something from the 1980's, as it has been described, a shirt Arsenio Hall might have worn. Neither is this Hatoyama's first fashion offense in public, either: his public wardrobe also includes other bright multi-colored shirts, a mauve coat, and a pink blazer with red hearts on it. Well, that last one might be appropriate for a Valentine's Day out with his wife, but not when making public speeches. Even Japanese fashion designer Don Konishi had a few words to say about the prime minister's shirt and clothes, which he feels is not doing the nation any favors. Japan is presently undergoing an economic crisis and a decision of whether to move the Futenma Air Base on Okinawa to another part of the island. The air base is owned by the United States, but Okinawa also suffers from blight and crime which Japan does not claim any responsibility for.

Hatoyama was elected prime minister in 2009 when the Democratic Party of Japan decided the nation would be better served by not wasting tax dollars on public works programs. Hatoyama had a high approval rating at the start, but started to decline when he was involved in a finance scandal in December last year. He failed to report $4 million in donations from constituents. Coming from a prominent family on a par with the American Kennedys has also cased Japanese citizens to question his credibility as a competent leader for Japan. Despite his poor decisions for Japan, one thing is for sure: Yukio is better off doing something about his wardrobe first and foremost before making any decisions regarding the future of Japan. Since fashion leads to appearance, and a public figure is usually judged by how he or she dresses, Yukio should find a new fashion label that will provide him with sharp suits that could easily earn the phrase "well dressed man." For Yukio, Bijan, Giorgio Armani, Joseph A. Bank, Christian Dior, or Prada would be a good start for him. Maybe he can bring his wife shopping with him at one of the many fine department stores in Tokyo. It's not as if Yukio does not have access or the money to buy nice suits. Hopefully he will have a wardrobe makeover and soon.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_ts2046

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/12/japan.hatoyama.fashion/?hpt=C1