I don't get the sense of that, though it may well be the case. Specifically, as they referenced that he takes the bus to work, wears suits off the rack, etc.
Honestly though, I'm MUCH more impressed with the accessibility -- knocked down the walls of his office, eats lunch in the regular cafeteria, etc. I know very little of Japanese culture, but he at least gives the impression that it's sincere, and as I mentioned, my initial expectation was quite cynical.
Offtopic (bearing in mind my Japan-ignorance), having an excess of meals and entertainment on your business tax returns is an invitation to be audited here in the states. You might want to speak with someone who can give you legal advice without winking. ;-)
I totally understand the bit about it being an audit flag in the US. In Japan, it is apparently considered routine practice, in the same fashion that the IRS would never question a business deduction for a subscription to the Wall Street Journal. (I edited out the identity of the person giving the helpful suggestion shortly after posting. Suffice it to say she speaks from a position of authority on the matter.)
Honestly though, I'm MUCH more impressed with the accessibility -- knocked down the walls of his office, eats lunch in the regular cafeteria, etc. I know very little of Japanese culture, but he at least gives the impression that it's sincere, and as I mentioned, my initial expectation was quite cynical.
Offtopic (bearing in mind my Japan-ignorance), having an excess of meals and entertainment on your business tax returns is an invitation to be audited here in the states. You might want to speak with someone who can give you legal advice without winking. ;-)