hellomagazine.com

TOM HAS FRANK ENCOUNTER WITH JAPAN'S PM

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7 APRIL 2006

Tom Hanks might have expected a conversation about weighty political matters and developments in the movie industry when he was offered the chance to meet Japan's prime minister, but when they came face to face on Thursday afternoon the politician seemed far more interested in his American guest's new hairstyle.

The headline-friendly leader threw his arms up in surprise and exclaimed "you've changed your look", when the actor walked into his office in Tokyo. Junichiro Koizumi, who is well-known for his "lion mane" of wavy grey hair, was clearly surprised by the longer locks Tom has grown for his role in The Da Vinci Code.

"I wanted a hairstyle that looked like you," joked the Oscar-winner in response to his host's observation. And although the pair were obviously getting on like a house on fire, the actor would have been forgiven for feeling a bit taken aback when the politician remarked, "you look much younger in your films". The 49-year-old actor, who is 15 years Junichiro's junior, is obviously accustomed to such candour, however. "My children are constantly reminding me what an old man I am," he said with a smile.