They do things differently in Japan

[spot]

BBC News - Japan PM Naoto Kan's wife "would not marry him again"

Rather pleasing, really. A touch of humour at the top works wonders.

Mrs Kan has turned the Japanese tradition of publicly downplaying the achievements of loved ones into something of an art form. Last year she wrote a book called What on Earth will change in Japan now you are Prime Minister, describing him as a hopeless cook who lacked dress sense and leadership skills.

She also revealed she had packed only summer clothes when they moved into the prime minister's residence in case he was rapidly ejected.

[koan]

That's awesome. So much more refreshing than the drivel we'd get in North America where spouses are political appendages of their mates.