A hot topic of late is the Democratic Party of Japan's "first lady," Miyuki Hatoyama. From 窶徭pace trips窶� to her strange taste in fashion, Mrs. Hatoyama's unique aura has garnered her an unusually high-profile position for a politician's wife.

One of her recent media mouthfuls, that she shares a "sensibility" with Michelle Obama, may have been more foolish than funny, though. As the Japanese public looks at whether Yukio Hatoyama can usher in an Obama brand of change after the Liberal Democratic Party's follies, this first lady isn't doing him any favors by trying to empathize with America's mythical first family.

Granted, getting a first lady in the limelight could be a positive turn. But are UFO sightings and groupie statements going to help Japanese politics be taken seriously? This lady could use a good PR officer.