ABSTRACT
Kōno Ichiro, a brilliantly sharp-witted politician, undoubtedly had intimations of the tragedies that would mark his life. He used to say he wouldn't be allowed to 'die a natural death' and that 'judgement on a politician was only decided when the lid was closed on his coffin'. The political stage is ablaze with energy and bright activity, but there is also, the darkness of the wings. I can't help but see his life as being filled with such light and shade.
