In a move long anticipated by political observers, the traditional hinged door to the Prime Minister`s office in the Diet building is to be replaced with a revolving door. The hinges on the existing door are thought to have become completely worn down owing to the frequent changes of Prime Minister in recent years.
Diet Fittings Overseer Kenji Yamataka explained the reasons for the change. `We did consider continuing with a hinged door,` he said, `but we don`t foresee any change in the rapid rate of Prime Ministerial turnover. We felt that the substantially longer lifespan of a revolving door will more than justify the additional cost.`
However, seekers of political reform are unimpressed. `It may save a bit of money,` said Nao Oneva of campaign group Citizens for Change, `but this will have zero impact on how the country is governed. A better way to motivate our leaders to perform better would be to replace the Prime Minister`s chair with an ejector seat, or to fit a trapdoor over a shark-filled pool.`
The revolving door will be fitted in time for the new Prime Minister to take office next week, shortly before he faces a no confidence vote.
