The raid resulted in the arrest of two officials in the bank-inspection division on charges of corruption, and it was those charges for which Mr Mitsuzuka so nobly took responsibility.

ECONOMIST: In Japan, he went

Packed with anecdote and detail, it is a thoughtful, strongly felt study of what he believes are France's ills: a melancholy list that includes social division, widespread corruption, falling school standards and an overweening state.

ECONOMIST: If in doubt, bash the French