Noda hoping to attend Olympic opening ceremony in London

Politics Jul. 10, 2012 - 02:55PM JST ( 16 )

TOKYO —

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is considering a quick trip to London to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on July 27, government sources confirmed Tuesday.

Noda has indicated that he would like to be present at the opening ceremony which is expected to attract dignitaries from 120 countries, TBS quoted government sources as saying.

However, Noda’s attendance will depend on progress in deliberations to get a contentious bill to raise the consumption tax enacted by the Diet.

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16 Comments

8

spinningplatesJul. 10, 2012 - 12:11PM JST

I'd quite like to attend too, but I don't have Tax revenue at my disposal.
4

philsandozJul. 10, 2012 - 03:38PM JST

No disrespect to your headline, but going anywhere else but London to attend the Olympics opening ceremony, would certainly be a waste of the PM's time, not to mention the taxpayers' money
1

basroilJul. 10, 2012 - 12:38PM JST

If it means no tax increase and instead people focusing on government waste and cutting pensions, have him go. The less he's here to support abuse of the lower classes the better off people will be.
1

smithinjapanJul. 10, 2012 - 12:51PM JST

Can I get a free ride there on the tax payer's dime as well?
1

ExportExpertJul. 10, 2012 - 02:05PM JST

Wasteful, self serving and dont forget the greenies wont like the green houses gases he will create by doing this.

Noda you Noddy is this trip really necessary?
1

gogogoJul. 10, 2012 - 02:24PM JST

Get back to work!
1

ProbieJul. 10, 2012 - 03:24PM JST

Yeah, because there's nothing that needs his attention in Japan. He can go off on a trip to London, paid for by us. Everything is fine here.
1

JimizoJul. 11, 2012 - 05:11PM JST

I hear the opening ceremony will include idyllic views of the English countryside. Noda will be used to seeing sheep bleating and milling about aimlessly - he gets that everyday in the Diet.
0

marcelitoJul. 10, 2012 - 01:30PM JST

Yes, it is absolutely necessary...the games can hardly start without him.
0

wacknessJul. 10, 2012 - 03:33PM JST

I wonder if he'll tell Japanese athletes to try their best...and never give up.
0

Liza UbuyashikiJul. 10, 2012 - 07:08PM JST

no way for Noda
0

tmarieJul. 10, 2012 - 11:00PM JST

Why? Has all the fanfare with everyone in Japan paid by us not been enough??
0

NinohJul. 11, 2012 - 02:03AM JST

Nah, don't go there, you need exercise.
-1

PT24881Jul. 11, 2012 - 12:27AM JST

Come on ! The PM is a representative of Japan and he should be there to support J sportsmen & sportswomen. The key word is 'quick' trip -- His mindset should be understood as ' I knew that you guys will make noise, I'm just showing up in a short roundtrip and swear will not stay more than one night in hotel..' fair enough ?
-1

Pukey2Jul. 11, 2012 - 12:31AM JST

Will he still be PM by then?
-1

LostinNagoyaJul. 13, 2012 - 12:32PM JST

To you all complaining: I bet if you could, you would go to London with all your family, dogs and cats. Let the man alone, his downfall is coming his way, let him have some fun while he can.