Japanese prime minister visits Niagara Falls, calls sights 'magnificent'

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. (CP) - The roar of water over Niagara Falls appears to have captured the heart of a prominent tourist - the prime minister of Japan. Junichiro Koizumi made his first visit to the falls on Tuesday, declaring the Canadian landmark "magnificent" and "beautiful." The prime minister, who was on a private trip to Niagara Falls, grinned widely as he peered over the metal railing and into the abyss, questioning why the water was green.

"He was most impressed by the volume of water and the beauty," said Niagara Falls Mayor Ted Salci, who escorted the prime minister.

"He said that they don't have falls like that in Japan."

Koizumi gestured excitedly toward the falls and also to the city's 158-metre-high Skylon Tower.

A trip below the rim of the great gorge followed as Koizumi travelled into tunnels behind the cascade, which allow visitors to walk out into the mist swirling around the bottom of the falls.

"We were soaked," said Salci. "We had raincoats, but with no sleeves, we got wet."

But Salci said Koizumi was "thoroughly impressed" and, in fact, one glimpse of Niagara Falls was not enough.

After emerging from the tunnels, Koizumi didn't simply head to a waiting car, but veered back to the edge and lingered for a second look.

Koizumi is in Canada for summit talks in Ottawa on Wednesday with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

While Koizumi has eschewed the traditional, moribund image of a Japanese politician, he is also regarded as a conservative on several fronts.

For example, he joined the United States in the so-called war on terror, not only in Afghanistan but also in Iraq, despite his country's espousal of pacifism.

Also sure to be on the agenda is Canada's participation in the Kyoto Accord on climate change. Although Koizumi's government is having problems just like Canada in cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions, it remains one of the most vocal proponents of the deal.

"We would like very much to see Canada actively involved in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and if it is possible we would like Canada to remain within the Kyoto framework," Numata said.

Koizumi is also scheduled to visit the U.S., where he and President George W. Bush are expected to visit Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley.

© The Canadian Press, 2006