Sayonara, Koizumi

Among the discussions or forums being held in DC regarding Japanese PM Koizumi's legacy, one is obvious, under Mr. Koizumi's reign, a stongest ever friendship between US and Japan is built upon.

Prminist Minister Junichiro Koizumi, put out out a CD of Elvis songs to raise money for charity, honored President Bush's 59th birthday in 2005 by singing a verse from "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" at a gala in Scottland. (Washington Post)

In return, President Bush gave Koizumi a pair of initialed cowboy boots, and Koizumi publicly said he wouldn't see Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" becasue it was "politically biased".

Over the years, Koizumi has been a guest to Mr. Bush's Crawford ranch, where they chatted poolside hours, and Camp David, where they played baseball catch with gloves.