Tarō Asō makes comments at high school exchange event in South Korea

Japanese Prime Minister Tarō Asō visited South Korea during Japan's extended holiday weekend and used the Sailor Moon magical girl anime as an example of how reality is different from the portrayals of the two countries. He attended a foreign exchange event between Japanese and Korean high school students on Sunday, and talked about the significance of cultural exchange.

According to Asō, "[Reality] is different from the images we see on television and in the things we read. We know that [the anime character] Sailor Moon and others don't really exist. When [Japanese and Korean high school students] sweat and work hard with each other, we understand each other."

In addition to cultural events, this visit is the first time that top figures in the Japanese financial world are accompanying the prime minister. Asō met with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Monday to discuss the North Korean nuclear issue, future cooperation agreements, and other topics. In past events, Asō has said, only half-jokingly, that he is apparently more well known in Japan for being a manga geek than prime minister. Monday is Coming-of-Age Day, a Japanese national holiday to celebrate those who have turned 20 and have become adults in the past year.

Source: NTV News 24