Muzix

Taking it for granted that you know he is a close pal of Mr. Bush. The two buddies reunited yesterday as the Japanese Prime Minister took pains to cross the Pacific Ocean to be with his American friend. The delighted American friend also wanted to arrange the most memorable stay for his Japanese friend, and guess what surprise he will offer his visiting friend? Can you? Yes, a visit to his idol Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion.



Fondness for Koizumi developed in Mr. Bush when the former explained US-Japanese relations to him by means of an Elvis lyric. Koizumi who

shares his birthday January 8 with the legend has released a charity CD called Junichiro Koizumi presents: My Elvis Songs, and even used his influence to erect an Elvis statue in Tokyo. On Mr. Bush 59th birthday, Mr. Koizumi sang I Want You, I Need You, I Love You to the US president at the Gleneagles G8 summit where they were staying then. Somebody send me the CD.



Mr. Koizumi’s message to Elvis fans on becoming prime minister in 2002:

Since I took office, I have been so busy that I literally have no time for sleep. In weekends, when I find time to be back home, and can afford listening to Elvis songs after weeks long craving, certainly his voice eases off my fatigue. These days, I feel sort of healing power from his Gospels. No doubt, Elvis’ recordings are a godsend great legacy of art from the last century. Elvis is forever and so are his songs.