As right-hand man to the prime minister, Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura says his job is to make sure that Taro Aso doesn't stumble.
Aso is known for his outspoken nature, often treading on thin ice by making contentious statements. But at the same time, critics point out that his "honesty" is part of what makes him popular with the public.
"I would like to make the most of Aso's distinguishing characteristics but at the same time make sure he doesn't step over the line and stumble," Kawamura said in an interview with The Japan Times and other media organizations Sunday. "I would like to wrap the prime minister in a veil of cotton."