Rock on, Junichiro Koizumi!

If you’ve been keeping up on the news recently, you’ve probably heard about Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s visit to the United States.  You’ve also probably heard about Koizumi visiting Elvis’ home, Graceland, with President Bush.  And, no doubt, you’ve seen Koizumi’s Elvis impersonation/dance, which can be summed up with one word: “embarrassing“.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi — calling it a “dream” to see the home of his idol, Elvis Presley — was reduced to giddy giggling as he broke into a serenade for Mr Bush, first lady Laura Bush and Presley’s widow, Priscilla, and daughter, Lisa Marie.

“Love me tender … ,” Mr Koizumi crooned through a thick accent as he stood with the others in Graceland’s famously tacky jungle room — complete with fake-fur-covered furniture, an indoor waterfall and avocado-coloured shag carpet on floor and ceiling.

The Bushes, clearly unaccustomed to such affection, looked on with strained smiles. But Mr Koizumi persisted, belting out another of his favourite Elvis hits.

“Wise men say,” he chimed, “only fools rush in.”

Lisa Marie Presley wondered where the group could find a karaoke machine. But Mr Bush had heard enough. He tapped his friend on the shoulder and shook his hand, cutting off the performance.

“I thought you were going to do Blue Suede Shoes, ” Mr Bush cracked.

The exchange was one of several offbeat but affectionate scenes during Mr Koizumi’s “sayonara summit” in the US. The Prime Minister is soon leaving office, and since he first met Mr Bush five years ago the two leaders have forged a close friendship.

To get a true appreciation of his Elvis dance, you’ll have watch the video here.

As stupid as his impression is, I gotta give Koizumi props for his performance.  Most world leaders are too ‘serious’ to enjoy themselves in public.  It takes a great deal of personal courage to make such a wacky display in front of the media.  Rock on, Junichiro Koizumi!