Based on his controversial essay that blamed Franklin D. Roosevelt for Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, one would expect retired Gen. Toshio Tamogami to be a hardcore rightist unwilling to allow a counterargument in edgewise.
But in reality, the ousted Air Self-Defense Force chief of staff is a self-proclaimed "friendly gentleman" who arrived for our interview in a dark suit and tie instead of kamikaze bandanna or toothbrush mustache.
"I will head to the taping of a TV program after this, so I have to leave in exactly an hour," Tamogami said, unable to hide his excitement. The show he will appear on is Japan's version of the popular quiz show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"