Photo/Illutration Masatoshi Akimoto responds to a question in the Diet. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

There are rules for naming a racehorse.

First, the name must be made up of two to nine “katakana” characters. Second, any name that is identical to that of a past G-1 (Grade 1) race winner is not allowed.

Put another way, pretty much any name will suffice as long as the rules are followed.

The winner of the 2006 Takamatsunomiya Kinen G-1 race was a 6-year-old stallion named Orewamatteruze, which translates literally as “I’ll be waiting.” From this name, I can almost visualize the animal galloping to the cheers of spectators.

Going through a record of past races, I chuckled at wacky names such as Kanetamaru (literally, “making money”), Orenochikara (“my strength”) and Ikaganamonoka (“I’m not so sure about that”).

Masatoshi Akimoto, who quit the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in early September and was arrested Sept. 7 by Tokyo prosecutors, is a co-founder of Purple Patch Racing, a racehorse owners’ association with about 20 horses, whose names include Purple Blossom and Purple Beauty.

Purple patch, an idiom that means a run of success or good luck, is also said to imply “glory.”

However, contrary to the flashy image associated with that, I was surprised to learn that Akimoto single-handedly ran the association, taking care of everything from purchasing and breeding the equines to managing their diet and coordinating their race schedules.

Whatever hobby a legislator enjoys is none of my business. However, I have to wonder how he could make time for it and still fulfill his professional duties. Or rather, which did he think was his “real” profession?

Prosecutors allege that Akimoto received money for the purchase of horses and other expenses from Masayuki Tsukawaki, a Purple Patch Racing co-owner and the president of Japan Wind Development, in exchange for asking questions in the latter’s favor in the Diet.

Akimoto, however, has denied the allegation.

Incidentally, Purple Patch Racing once had a horse named Farooq, which in Arabic means “the one who distinguishes between right and wrong.”

Which party is right, Akimoto or the prosecutors? I await an explanation of how corporate interests and politics work in the sustainable energy industry.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 9

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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