Osaka
While his inflammatory comments have made headlines and his combative, argumentative style has shocked and enraged those who take comfort in the traditional politician's art of discreet ambiguity, there is method behind Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto's perceived rhetorical madness.
Since coming to power in 2008 as the governor of Osaka, no Japanese politician has more effectively used TV and social media, especially Twitter, to his advantage. But whether the subject is municipal services, budget cuts or the policies of his Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), Hashimoto's rhetoric often takes a recognizable path.