Koizumi gets emotional in Brazil

SAO PAULO, Brazil � Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi broke down in tears Wednesday as he recounted an enthusiastic encounter with descendants of Japanese immigrants a day earlier. Koizumi began his speech to an audience of Japanese-Brazilians by saying "Bon Dia" (Good morning) and "Obrigado" (Thank you) in Portuguese.

Saying one of his closest cousins is living in Brazil, the Japanese leader said Brazil is "the closest to my heart. All the people who have persevered under different weather, language, food and customs welcomed the prime minister of Japan," Koizumi recalled, pausing for a moment to wipe his tears. (Kyodo News)