PM under fire over nightlife

While much of Japan is grappling with deepening economic turmoil, the country's new prime minister has come under fire for enjoying a lavish nightlife.

Since taking the helm a month ago, Taro Aso has spent all but four nights out on the town at posh bars and eateries, according to leading local newspapers.

Aso's haunts include an upscale hotel bar where coffee is poured out at $15 a cup, and a ritzy restaurant where the grilled eel starts at $175 a serving.

The opposition has seized on Aso's nights on the town, claiming the 68-year-old political blueblood and scion of a wealthy family is out of touch with the people.

"He won't understand the real concerns of people by going to such places," said Susumu Yanase, a lawmaker from Japan's largest opposition party, the Democratic Party of Japan.

Aso, who is well-known for favoring cigars and meticulously tailored suits, has defended his nocturnal habits, saying visits to less exclusive places would be a security headache for others.

Besides, he said, he's not charging the government for his fun.

"Don't you know bars at hotels are not so expensive?" Aso said when challenged over his spree.

"Fortunately, I've got money, so I'm paying the bills myself."

The PM is now making efforts to develop a common touch. He visited a supermarket in downtown Tokyo last week to see how shoppers were being affected by price increases.

Since taking office on Sept 24, Aso has been under pressure to boost the popularity of the ailing ruling party before he calls snap parliamentary elections.

正当日本民众饱受经济衰退之苦时，新任首相（ 麻生太郎）则因奢华的夜生活遭到炮轰。

据日本几家主流报纸报道，麻生太郎接任首相一个月来，几乎每晚光顾高级酒吧或高档餐厅，只有四天晚上没出去。

他常“出没”的地方包括一家高档酒店的酒吧，这里的咖啡15美元一杯，还有一家高档餐厅，这里的一份烤鳗鱼最低要175美元。

麻生奢华的夜生活让日本国内的反对党抓住了把柄，他们谴责麻生的行为“脱离了民众”。今年68岁的麻生出身于一个富裕的政治家庭。

日本最大的反对党民主党的立法委员柳濑进说：“他总去这些地方，怎么能了解人民的疾苦。”

而这位以爱抽雪茄和爱穿高级剪裁西装而著称的首相先生则反驳说，如果去便宜的地方，会给安保带来不少麻烦。

他还说，自己并没有用公款娱乐。

在受到质疑时，麻生辩解说：“难道你们不知道酒店里的酒吧其实没那么贵吗？”

“幸好我有钱，能自己买单。”

为加强与民众的沟通、实际了解民情，麻生于上周走访了东京市区的一家超市，了解物价上涨对民众生活的影响。

自9月24日接任首相以来，为了在众议院临时选举前重振声望不断下降的执政党，麻生一直处于压力之下。

Vocabulary:

seize on:抓住；利用

snap election: A snap election is an election called earlier than scheduled. Generally it refers to an election called when no one expects it, usually to capitalize on a unique electoral opportunity or to decide a pressing issue.（临时选举；提前选举）