Japan's PM appeals for investment on UK TV

How the times change: Japan's Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, is to appear in a series of one-minute TV adverts in Britain, appealing for foreign investment in Japan by British businesses:

The commercials will feature various stirring images of corporate Japan followed by an impassioned Mr Koizumi addressing the camera and encouraging companies to take the plunge. Speaking in English, the Prime Minister says: "We have all you need for success, and we welcome your business. Why don't you join us? Invest in Japan!"?

[Read: The Times]