20 Questions

President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama looked on in awe at a brief press availability session today as Fuji TV Washington correspondent Toshiyuki Matsuyama attempted to ask the longest question in the history of brief press availability sessions.

Fuji Television. Matsuyama is my name. I'd like to ask both leaders - first to Prime Minister Hatoyama. You have stated that you would like to see Japan enjoy a more equal relationship with the United States in talks about Afghanistan and also the ending of the refueling operations and global warming and nuclear disarmament.

(Huh, that's a lot of topics for a single question. Sure am glad he's not aiming this one at me.)

Do you think that you're able to talk as equal partners and gain understanding on this point, especially on the Futenma relocation?

(Oh good, a yes or no question.) I believe...

There is the observation that this will be a difficult issue to resolve, but how did you explain about how to resolve the timeline for resolving this issue?

Well, I...

And to President Obama, you are a proponent of a nuclear-free world, and you've stated, first of all, you would like to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki while in office. Do you have this desire?

(Oh good, a yes or no question.) I believe...

And what is your understanding of the historical meaning of the A-bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Do you think that it was the right decision?

(Oh no, not the old Hiroshima question.) I understand fully...

(Oh no, not the old Hiroshima question. He's making me lose face on live TV...)

And also considering the North Korean situation, how do you think the U.S.-Japan alliance should be strengthened, and how should both countries cooperate in the field of nuclear disarmament?

(Jesus Christ, that's at least a dozen unrelated topics so far)

And also on the Futenma relocation issue, by when do you think the issue needs to be resolved? And should it be that Japan carry over the discussion -- decision to next year, or decide on something outside of what is being discussed?

(Please make him stop.)

How would you respond?

Would you please repeat the question?