InsideJapan News Network

A Japanese director of anime films has said he is somewhat embarrassed by the prime minister's attempts to improve his street credibility by saying he loves the genre.

Premier Taro Aso recently remarked that perhaps Japan could begin to rely on comic books as an alternative export to cars and electronics, a move which has seen him criticised as being a little too 'down with the kids' and has seen his popularity fall as people speculate that he should stick to politics.

Director Hayao Miyazaki, speaking at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan, told the Associated Press: "It's so embarrassing. That should be more private."

Miyazaki's latest film is Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, which tells the tale of a goldfish who forms a friendship with a little boy and longs to become a real girl.

His other films include Howl's Moving Castle and My Neighbour Totoro.



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