  This paper explores the role of mass media in people perceptions of
charismatic leaders, focusing on the case of Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister
of Japan from 2001 to 2006. Using survey data collected immediately after his
2005 landslide electoral victory, this study empirically assesses the influence
of television and newspapers on support for Koizumi and for the most
distinctive policy action he announced during his campaign, the privatization
of the postal service.
