In a new book, the wife of Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan questions whether he is fit for the nation's top job and suggests his tenure might be short lived.
In "You are Prime Minister, So What Will Change in Japan?" which was released this week, first lady Nobuko Kan lists a host of her husband's shortcomings, from his failure to do any housework to his hot temper.
But it also depicts the premier, who took the job in June, as a caring father of two sons. And when he speaks spontaneously, he can be inspiring, she says. But not when he reads his speeches.
Kan, 63, has often called his wife "the opposition at home."
Asked by reporters about the book, Kan said he was too scared to read it.
The book comes as Kan struggles to revive sagging public support after his ruling party suffered a heavy defeat in upper house elections two weeks ago.
That result heightened speculation he could join the conveyor belt of recent Japanese prime ministers who have tried to revive the country's flagging economy, and been ditched in short order.
{{/usCountry}}That result heightened speculation he could join the conveyor belt of recent Japanese prime ministers who have tried to revive the country's flagging economy, and been ditched in short order.
{{/usCountry}}The book chronicles highlights and lowlights in the couple's 40 year marriage, and the criticism appears to be made in the playful manner in which some middle aged Japanese couples will chide or even put down each another in public.