President Barack Obama's Tokyo visit may have generated the kind of media attention normally associated with a Paul McCartney concert. But one Japanese politician, at least, didn't seem too excited.
Kazuyuki Hamada, an Upper House member from the New Renaissance Party, attacked Obama earlier this month in his official blog, saying he was known for having no vision for the future or leadership ability.
Hamada said his low approval ratings, which in some polls hover under 40 percent, was being blamed on his poor relationship with his wife, Michelle. Hamada repeated reports circulating in the U.S. over the past few months that the two are heading toward divorce after he leaves office.
The first lady did not accompany Obama on his state visit to Japan, although she went to China last month. The no-show ruffled many feathers in Japanese political and media circles amid hopes she would come to Tokyo as well. Normally, the spouses of presidents accompany them on state visits.