Saturday, July 01, 2006

Koizumi visits the king at Graceland


Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has visited the home of his musical hero, Elvis Presley, as a guest of US President George W Bush.

Mr. Koizumi sang a few bars of "Love Me Tender" in the Jungle Room of Graceland on a private tour led by the singer's ex-wife.

After Thursday's meetings in Washington enroute to Memphis, President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi flew aboard Air Force One where the two leaders were served fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches - a favourite of Elvis.

Mr. Koizumi is a lifelong fan of Elvis Presely.

In his toast, Mr Bush hailed Mr Koizumi's similarities with the rock and roll icon.

"Like you, he had great hair," he said to laughter from the guests. "Like you, he was known to sing in public. And like you, he won admirers in countries far from home."

Since Mr. Koizumi is stepping down in September, this is seen as a sayonara (goodbye) summit.

Two years ago Mr Koizumi, who shares his birthday with Elvis, released a personal selection of his favourite Elvis Presley songs on CD seen above.

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