Prime Minister Taro Aso, who over the past year drew criticism for repeatedly misreading kanji characters, may have showed Sunday he is a man of culture after all.
At the outset of his first news conference of 2009, Aso drew and showed reporters some of his calligraphy, together with his signature, the date and the phrase "New Spring," which refers to the beginning of a year.
The four main characters he wrote were "Anshin Katsuryoku" (security and energetic force), saying these words express his wishes for Japan for the year.
"I'd like to create a bright Japan," Aso said, referring to the challenges confronting the nation amid the deepening recession.
The news conference was televised nationwide by NHK.
According to an earlier report by the Mainichi Shimbun, Aso uses a calligraphy ink cake of the highest quality, priced at ¥13,650.
He also reportedly visits a calligraphy implement shop in Fukuoka to buy about 20 brushes several times a year.