Erik Makes Surprise Visit to Tokyo

Erik and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

-- TOKYO, Japan

Less Than One Month after his summertime visit to Tokyo, ENN has learned that Erik made an unannounced trip to the capital over the weekend.  ENN reporters caught up with Erik in time to see him make a stunning joint press conference with Prime Minister Koizumi, who had in the past demanded Erik's deportation from Japan.

"Junich and I go way back," Erik said at the press conference, held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.  "Just like all good friends, we have our ups and downs, but at the end of the day, we still like living in the same country together."

When asked why Erik chose this particular time to come to Tokyo, he responded with characteristic ambiguity.  "It's always a good time to visit Tokyo."  Tokyo is more than two hours from Erik's home in Ritto, on the famous shinkansen bullet train, at a cost of more than US$250 for the round trip.

When asked about persistent rumors that Erik was pursuing a love interest in Tokyo, Erik would only respond, "You'll have to ask my new secretary about that.  She lives here in Tokyo."

Koizumi, for his part, said very little at the press conference, mainly because no one was interested in asking him questions.  He did indicate that he does not consider Erik a "friend," and that "negotiations for Erik's continued presence in Japan will depend on his performance at the tea ceremony scheduled for later this month."  (Click here for a related story.)

Stay with ENN for more news about Erik's trip to Tokyo, and be sure to watch for more updates from the Prime Minister's office.  (Photos from Tokyo are in the Japan Photo Album)