Kan buys 5 books on nuclear crisis for his 'autumn' reading

Hmm... A humble politician who is thirsty for knowledge, goes to a book store in his spare time and (apparently/hopefully) spends his own money on the books he buys, instead of tax payers'. Should not he be ...... the next prime minister of Japan?

@condor, agree. Many Japanese politicians want to go to Geisha House with tax payer's money. They are not thirsty for knowledge, for sure.

Good for Kan. He spend his OWN money to buy books. Whatever he does or read, it is his business.

Hmm... A humble politician who is thirsty for knowledge, goes to a book store in his spare time and (apparently/hopefully) spends his own money on the books he buys, instead of tax payers'. Should not he be ...... the next prime minister of Japan?

Poor him. He must be really stressed to buy those kinds of books. I am sure he would have preferred reading a good thriller.

He reads, which is more than the previous PM who only looked at Manga.

At least, Kan reads unlike the other PM. What was his name?

@WHITE HOUSE

Japanese Manga PM

"Congratulations to you, Mr. Obama. You did it at once"

Obama:

"Thank you very much."

Japanese Manga PM:

"It took me three elections before I became a PM of Japan."

Obama:

"????"

This exchange was actually broadcasted in US.

How embarrasing it was.

At least, I give a credit to Kan who is willing to READ.

Those posters who think any of the last five PMs would have handled this TEPCO disaster better are not in touch with reality

I agree that Kan has done just as well as any other bumbling idiot politician in Japan would in the same circumstances. But it is humorous to hear about his plan to read up on nuclear power SIX MONTHS after the event occurred. As others have said, it's a bit late, isn't it? He should have been reading these books 6 months ago.

How to be a PM in Japan for Dummies: due out Xmas eve.

Yeah he bought managing Nuclear Power Plants for dummies

a little late, doncha think?

Was Kevin Maher's book on the list, by any chance?

He reads, which is more than the previous PM who only looked at Manga.

Those posters who think any of the last five PMs would have handled this TEPCO disaster better are not in touch with reality. Kan, as an outsider, did the best anyone could given the long term corruption between the LDP and the nuclear industry that lead to the meltdowns. Its like blaming Obama for the bush depression.

How about leisurely reading some science fiction like Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles. Intriguing stuff about Americans relocating to Mars to escape war and nuclear fallout on Earth. Still a fresh read today since nuclear war and nuclear accidents continue to be primary problems for us Earth dwellers.

wow didn't take long for people to cash in on the books... when is the movie due?

If Kan reads all 5 he might just learn how negligent the Diet is in its duty to serve the electorate.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Nuclear Energy" was no doubt on his list.

"autumn reading"

Hey, autumn's just around the corner! Yea!

why would anyone want to spend their free time reading about how bad they are at their job?

Why, so he can choose all the best parts to make up an 'official story' of what happened?

That's a good one.

Why, so he can choose all the best parts to make up an 'official story' of what happened?

Maybe Mr. Kan did not get any reports on the incident at Daiichi, ( That was a Joke ). Seriously though his next assignment may well have to do with the Nuclear Industry in someway of the Environment.

Don't you think it is a bit late to be studying this stuff, over 5 months later, when you are the person in charge. Also why did he go to the bookshop personally, with reporters? His secretary could buy them, or he could order by phone, fax or online. He must have lots of spare time to pop out shopping while the economy is is tatters, Fukushima, new PM etc.