Young politicians in the lower house of the Japanese Diet have been taken to task by the Speaker for reading newspapers and magazines or chatting on their mobile phones during sessions, a scolding that other senior members of parliament have applauded.
House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono summoned the chairman of the house rules and administration committee and demanded that legislators be more businesslike and attentive.
'From the Speaker's seat, I can see people reading papers or talking on mobile phones,' Mr Kono told Ichiro Aisawa. 'Some young legislators are not aware of the rules and I want you to make sure their manners improve.'
He also said not enough politicians were attending sessions.
'I have to say that he's absolutely right to scold them,' said Ichida Yamamoto, a representative of the Liberal Democratic Party.
'These are people who have been elected to work for the good of the country and the people and they must work diligently and participate in discussions.'
