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One of the more entertaining Coming-of-Age Day ceremonies last Monday has found its way onto YouTube. It features the mayor of Aso City in Kumamoto Prefecture doing his AKB48 act.
Mayor Yoshioki Sato has become known as the “Dancing Mayor.” He does a song-and-dance routine at the Coming-of-Age ceremony each year because he wants to appeal to young people rather than just appear to be another boring politician.
This year, he sang “Kazoku ni Narouyo” (Let’s become a family), by Masaharu Fukuyama first, and then “Flying Get,” a hit song by AKB48. He finished the song by leaping off the stage.
Website Itai (Painful) news, which picks up ridiculous news items and responses to news topics on 2channel, found the following comments on Sato’s act.
“How much practice did he do?” “My nana was laughing so hard when she watched the video.” “I think that Sato sang AKB48′s ‘Heavy Rotation’ last year.” “He is actually a better singer and performer than AKB48.” “I can only say that it is ridiculous. However, I don’t hate it.” “I don’t know the actual context, but I like that kind of successful person who is not afraid to do something ridiculous. It was fun to watch.” “It’s much better than listening to a boring speech. Awesome!” “Sato is one of the most famous names in Kumamoto Prefecture.” “Our famous mayor becomes a part of culture.” “He is telling the audience not to throw away their childlike innocence even though they have become adults."
© Japan Today
18 Comments
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Serrano
Cool!
LH10
lol! just saw the video wow i'm scared he ruined the song lol! aww i wish ♡Coming-of-Age Day ceremony♡ was world wide. ♡♡GO JAPAN ♡♡^o^/
LH10
AKB48!! I LOVE YOU!! lol (づ￣ ³￣)づ japan i love you too o
ironchef
awesome! at least some politicians here in Japan have a personality!
Wolfpack
Usually you would have to be drunk to get away with doing something so weird and ridiculous in public. He should see his doctor immediately.
He ran for Mayor, not comedian. Even a politician with a good sense of humor would be well advised to refrain from making a fool of themselves.
Rosey
people are being way too serious about this article, read it for what it is,,,,,some fun !!!
Geoff Gillespie
You're kidding, right...?
lostrune2
Still doesn't beat the then-NYC Mayor Guiliani's cross-dressing stints on Saturday Night Live though!
HansNFranz
@rys2sense hmm, it didn't work out too well for them, did it?
rys2sense
There is an old Native American saying somehting liek never trust a politician (leader) who doesn't/can't dance.
Noripinhead
He's the Mayor of Aso City. 'Nuf said.
kwatt
I saw TV. He seems to be an idiot. He was dancing singing like a drunk on stage in front of many people.
HansNFranz
I don't think it's a good choice for a politician to go full moronic in public. Especially in a country so riddled by corruptness among the influential class.
nath
What a great approach! Nobody enjoys sitting at these sort of events listening to people talk in such a dull manner, Sato-san really brings everyone into the ceremony by being full of energy and positivity. That alone is such a great message for all the people there to take with them.
ebisen
Mabo - he's a politician, not a freak show member...
SushiSake3
Kudos to the guy for livening things up. :-)
Spidey
Maybe there's hope for Japan after all.
(^-^)/
S
MaboDofuIsSpicy
He should dress like them too.