Koizumi Starts E-Mail Magazine, Says 'Bird in Cage'

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi launched the inaugural edition of his e-mail magazine Thursday, describing the downside of being the nation's leader -- the lack of freedom.

''I have been asked by many people, 'What do you find different after becoming premier?' Above all, what strikes me is that I do not have any freedom. In a sense, I am a bird in a cage 24 hours a day,'' he said in a statement titled, ''Lion Heart -- a message from Prime Minister Koizumi.''

''Before I became prime minister, I went to convenience stores by myself, or went out when I felt like it. But now, wherever I go, there are always bodyguards. I can't go out so easily,'' he said.

''But prime ministers are public figures 24 hours a day, and must be able to deal with any incidents that may occur. Although there may be things I feel are inconvenient, I promise you that I will do my best, 24 hours a day.''

More than 700,000 people had registered their e-mail address to subscribe to the magazine as of 8 p.m. Wednesday. Subscribers will receive the Japanese-language weekly free of charge.

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