Former Foreign Minister Taro Aso is the clear underdog in the race to become the next prime minister. But among young fans of pop culture, Aso is king.
An avowed booster of "manga" (comic books) and the animated films known as "anime," Aso has won the support of "otaku" (nerds) for his promise to promote Japanese pop art overseas.
"Aso is a true nerd. He should be prime minister!" said Asami Suzuki, a 20-year-old college student shopping for comics in Akihabara, Tokyo's Mecca of comic book shops and electronic merchandise.