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 PM Hatoyama at Japan Society

Did you know the new prime minister of Japan, Yukio Hatoyama had once been nicknamed “The Alien?” It could be his unique use of words, his unreadable character, his physical features or all of the above which makes him The Alien. Hatoyama comes from a prominent Japanese political family which has been called the “Kennedy family of Japan.” His grandfather, Ichiro Hatoyama, was prime minister in the 1950s, his father Iichiro was foreign minister in the 1970s, and his younger brother Kunio was internal affairs minister in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Taro Aso.  Hatoyama is a rare breed of politician because he has a "science mind." A graduate of the University of Tokyo in 1969, he went on to obtain a Ph.D. in engineering from Stanford University in the U.S. He then built a solid career in academia, rising to the rank of assistant professor at Senshu University. Perhaps it was his scientific way of thinking, merged with politics, one of his famous pet sayings he made since jumping into politics in 1986 "sciencing politics" — a perfect example of his unique way with words. Hatoyama\'s personable and friendly character has won him steady support both from his party and the public. On October 5, Hatoyama and his wife, Miyuki, took the runway during a charity fashion show in Tokyo. Miyuki may be another reason why he is called The Alien. Also known for her culinary skills, Miyuki is a former Takarazuka actress, and she met the U.S.-educated Yukio while living in America. She has recently been in the global media spotlight in after claiming to have been to Venus on a UFO. Whatever his nickname, he still enjoys approval ratings of more than 70 % on his Democratic Party, according to a poll by Nikkei Business Daily & TV Tokyo on Oct. 19, and the public seems to expect a lot from this new “Alien” prime minister.