In Miyagi prefecture, Governor Shiro Asano has backed citizens' demands for disclosure of excessive entertainment spending by local officials.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Japan: Japan's Governors Take Aim at Mighty Tokyo

Asano personally promotes Miyagi's rice in light-hearted television spots and even hosts a weekly radio program, playing songs by his long--time hero Elvis Presley.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Japan: Japan's Governors Take Aim at Mighty Tokyo