TOKYO (AFP) — Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, already under fire for his taste for luxuary, was caught out by opponents when he badly overestimated the price of instant noodles.
Japan's opposition has tried to cast Aso as an out-of-touch patrician, as Asia's largest economy feels the pain from a global financial crisis.
Asked in parliament late Tuesday how much a package of Cup Noodles would cost at a supermarket, Aso said: "I think it used to be very cheap, but now it costs around 400 yen (4.12 dollars), doesn't it?"
An opposition lawmaker immediately retorted that a cup of instant noodles -- popular with Japanese on a tight budget -- actually costs around 170 yen.
Aso admitted with a wry smile: "I don't buy them myself these days."
Since taking office in late September, Aso has faced media and opposition criticism for going almost every night to high-end bars and restaurants, despite growing signs of recession in Japan.
Aso has defended himself, saying that he needs time to unwind at night and goes out at his own expense.
The premier has also argued that he cannot go to small places due to the number of security guards and journalists following him.
The cigar-smoking, dapper-dressing Aso hails from an elite family with extensive business interests. He has opted to stay in his sprawling house in an expensive district of Tokyo rather than move into the prime minister's residence.
However, he has also tried to project himself as a common person by speaking of his love for comic books.
Aso is expected to hold off calling elections until next year, saying he wants to focus instead on reviving the economy.
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