He's in! After much press speculation, Prime Minister Koizumi was finally unveiled to the nation as the last player to make up Japan's national team for next month's World Cup competition in Germany.

It's a surprise to many, as Koizumi hasn't kicked a ball since his schooldays. However, Japan's manager, Zico, stood by his decision at yesterday's packed press conference. "He showed us last year that he's got great feet when he gave the Democratic Party a good kicking," he quipped with a smile, though no one reacted as he was speaking in Portuguese.

Rumour has it that Koizumi has asked Zico to play him in midfield, where there are fewer heading opportunities - this way he can protect his perfectly coiffured hair from any unnecessary tampering.

Anyway, I for one will be happy to see the PM up there alongside the world's best players. As long as that hair of his stays in place, and he doesn't lose his temper if someone ruffles it up a bit, I think he could help lead Japan to World Cup glory.


Koizumi shakes hands with his hairstylist, as Zico looks on.


A tense moment at the press conference as he tries his shirt on, with his hair in clear and present danger. Photographers were asked to refrain from using flashes at this point.


An audible sigh of relief sweeps through the room on seeing that Koizumi's hair is intact. However, it soon becomes apparent that he clearly has trouble dressing himself. It took him a full 35 minutes to get into his shirt. Here he is seen struggling with the left arm.


Zico looks on in disbelief, thinking, "Jeeez, if it takes him this long to get his shirt on every morning, how the hell does he run the country?"


After some help from his entourage, Koizumi finally gets to show off his football kit to the media.


"Shit, I forgot to take my shirt and tie off first." Presumably Koizumi will lose the formal part of his strip for the World Cup finals.


To Zico's obvious dismay, Koizumi tells him that he's exhausted after putting his shirt on, and needs a sit down.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 7:13 pm. You can skip to the end and leave a response.