clipped from: www.independent.co.uk He is a ubiquitous presenter with a portfolio of shows that draw Japanese viewers in their millions. Now he's getting political – and the government is worried.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Picture the world's busiest television presenter and imagine yourself squinting through the glare of high-wattage celebrity, struggling to breathe in air perfumed with pampered showbiz ego. But fresh from hosting Japan's most popular afternoon talk-show, Monta Mino arrives (in a reception lounge at the broadcasting giant Nippon TV) with nothing more elaborate than a crinkly-eyed grin and the faint whiff of high-performance aftershave. No entourage, chaperone or even PR manager in sight, the dapper 64-year-old oozes bonhomie and easy charm from his perma-tanned pores.