Justice Minister Kunio Hatoyama lodged a protest June 20 over a satirical column in a newspaper that described him as "the grim reaper" for authorizing with "pride and responsibility" a record number of executions as chief of the ministry.

"I would like to sincerely protest the ill-advised writing," Hatoyama said, referring to the Soryushi regular front-page column of curt, sarcastic comments on current affairs carried by the Asahi Shimbun's June 18 evening editions, the day after he authorized three hangings.

The column read: "Permanent executioner: Justice Minister Hatoyama. Achieving a new record by giving the go-ahead in intervals of two months, holding his chest out with pride and responsibility. Also known as the grim reaper."