Youth Hockey Style
First, a caveat or two: the survey that will be discussed was conducted in Japan last year, so a number of the world's most handsome politicians are no longer in the politicking business. In addition, although the survey was trying to find the best-looking on the world stage, the number two in particular reflects a very inward-looking view, and even a very myopic view, as the beauty of this politician is most certainly in the eye of the beholder. Let's do the top five in reverse order:
5. Vladimir Putin
I suppose there is a certain something about him, although his handsomeness reminds me more of an evil villain in a James Bond movie that a leader of a country. His politics on the other hand are very ugly. My personal political hot-o-meter 3.5 out of 10.
4. Hillary Clinton
The would-be first female president of the USA was beaten in the polls by Barack Obama (who in his own right would do well in a new most handsome politician poll) this year, but she is still a big favourite in Japan and with me too. 8.5 out of 10, but minus one point for some of the rather frumpy fashion choices she makes.
3. Tony Blair
Although his years at Number 10 took their toll on his looks, when he became British Prime Minister he would be certainly deserving of his ranking in the "World's Hottest Politician" list with his winning smile and charming ways, although they did begin to grate on much of the population of the UK when he thought his turning on the charm could make people forgive his political missteps, resulting in a rather ignoble exit. The hot-o-meter says 7 out of 10.
2. Shintaro Ishihara
Oh dear. Oh dearie me. The governor of Tokyo is approximately 137 years old, and with attitudes to women, foreigners, and just about everyone else to match. His brother who died young was a very famous and handsome movie idol, and Shintaro himself may have been dashing in his youth, but now - he has charisma, I suppose, but nothing else. The hot-o-meter says you must be joking!
1. Junichiro Koizumi
Of course, who else could be number one in Japanese hearts other than the lovable, cuddly Jun-chan, with his flowing locks and ready smile that carried him to the top of the Japanese political tree and charmed the pants off (not literally, I hope) George W. Bush (himself tenth on the Japanese list) with his Elvis renditions, and who met his Hollywood double, Richard Gere, and tripped the light fantastic with him. 100 out of 10, in a most masculine and manly way, of course, and a most worthy winner of the World's Hottest Politician rankings in Japanese eyes, and someone who would be seen as a most handsome politician the world over.
If the survey were conducted again this month how would Governer Sarah Palin do? Although on the internet in particular there is not much love lost for her politics, her Hockey Mom charms have melted many a heart and her photos from her beauty queen days are keenly sought. With three out of the top five hottest politicians above having now retired and a fourth ever more decrepit, surely she must be a shoo-in for one of the top three slots in the Japanese "World's Hottest Politicians" rankings?
Ken Yasumoto-Nicolson blogs about matters Japanese at What Japan Thinks, covering not just the world's hottest politicians but many other topics both serious and frivolous.
 |
 Rawlings Black Youth Hockey Style Catchers Helmet  US $69.95See Full Details |
 ALL STAR MVP2310 HOCKEY STYLE CATCHERS MASK YOUTH US $74.00See Full Details |
 NEW Youth Hockey Style Catchers Catchers Helmet Mask US $49.99See Full Details |
 Mizuno Youth Samurai Catchers Helmet G3 Hockey Style US $74.99See Full Details |
 ALL STAR 2310 DK GRN YOUTH HOCKEY STYLE CATCHERS HELMET US $54.95See Full Details |
 ALL STAR 2210 DK GRN YOUTH HOCKEY STYLE CATCHERS HELMET US $84.95See Full Details |
 ALL STAR 2310 BLACK YOUTH HOCKEY STYLE CATCHERS HELMET US $54.95See Full Details |
 ALL STAR 2210 BLACK YOUTH HOCKEY STYLE CATCHERS HELMET US $84.95See Full Details |
 ALL STAR 2210 NAVY YOUTH HOCKEY STYLE CATCHERS HELMET US $84.95See Full Details |
 ALL STAR 2310 RED YOUTH HOCKEY STYLE CATCHERS HELMET US $54.95See Full Details |
 All Star MVP2310 Hockey Style Mask Youth Black US $79.95See Full Details |
 |
Rawlings Coolflo Youth Catchers Helmet List Price: $94.30  |
|
With an ABS shell for impact resistance, the CFA2 offers complete protection for catchers ages 9-12. Its Tri-Density foam lining with Pro Dri® covering provides cushion and comfort. The CFA2 meets NOCSAE® standards and is available in five colors |
 |
All Star Youth Catcher's Head Gear List Price: $59.99 |
|
All Star Youth Catcher's Head Gear All Star Youth Catchers Head Gear All-Star Catchers Mask. This MVP mask increases visibility and protection, as more of the head is covered. The strong light shell is made of injected molded ABS pl - Baseball Catcher's Headgear |
 |
Rawlings Youth Hockey Style CoolFlo Catchers Helmet Ages 9-12 - CFA2 |
|
This Coolflo Hockey Style Catchers Helmet features a ABS shell for impact resistance and Tri-density foam lining for added comfort with replaceable chin pad. It also has ProDri Plus fabric covered pads which feature moisture wicking and anti-bacterial technology to prevent the spread of germs... |
 |
All-Star MVP2310 Youth Hockey Style Catchers Mask List Price: $131.04 |
|
This All-Star MVP2310 Youth Hockey Style catchers helmet delivers an unobstructed panoramic view, so you can take in all of the action on the field. This mask features a tough injected molded ABS shell, with closed-cell foam lining for a better and more comfortable fit... |
 |
Champion Sports Youth Hockey Style Catchers Helmet List Price: $70.09 Average Rating:  |
|
The Champion Sports Youth Hockey Style Catchers Helmet offers the ultimate in comfort and protection. Hockey style masks provide all around protection, and they evenly distribute the weight of the mask across your entire head for increased comfort... |
 |
(Price/EA)All Star All Star MVP2310 Hockey Style Mask-Youth |
|
Price is for EA.Product Details: Hockey style helmet Unobstructed panoramic view # Injected molded ABS shell # Wire cage mask Closed-cell foam lining Meets NOCSAE standards and complies with high school requirements Youth size: 6-1/2" - 7"... |
 |
Coolflo System Youth Hockey Style Catcher's Mask from Rawlings |
|
COOLFLO styleABS shell for impact resistanceTri-density foam lining with mesh coveringReplaceable chin padMeets NCOSAE standardsFits 6 1/2-7 |
 |
Coolflo System Youth Hockey Style Catcher's Helmet and Face Mask Combo from Rawlings |
|
Airflo technology with 16 ventilation holes for cool comfortNylon based, engineered thermoplastic shellReplaceable compression molded dual density foamFully adjustable back plate and adjustable leather chin pad for perfect fitMeets NOCSAE standardsPlease specify color needed when ordering. |
 |
All Star MVP2310 Hockey Style Mask-Youth - Navy Sale Price: $93.44 |
|
#8226; Hockey style helmet #8226; Unobstructed panoramic view #8226; Injected molded ABS shell #8226; Wire cage mask #8226;nbsp;Dual-Density foam lining #8226; Meets NOCSAE standards and complies with high school requirements #8226; Youth size: 6-1/4quot; - 7quot;... |
