Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara gave Mickey Mouse a verbal beatdown at Tokyo International Anime Fair on Saturday. Is it strange that Japanese politicians are so into Anime?

Apparently, the Governor was quoted as saying:

“I hate Mickey Mouse. He has nothing like the unique sensibility that Japan has. The Japanese are inherently skilled at visual expression and detailed work.”

I find this quite ironic since many Anime directors/artists were influenced heavily by Disney, including Shinichiro Watanabe. I mean, I know there’s a big sense of national pride in Japan and all, but this is a bit extreme.

Then again….it DID come from a politician, so I guess I can’t be too surprised. :icon_cool:

You can read more about it at all at United Press International

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