A Japanese cousin of the late former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori says he recalls Fujimori’s visit to his parents’ hometown in the southwestern city of Kumamoto more than 30 years ago.
Ex-Peruvian President Fujimori died on Wednesday at the age of 86. He was Peru’s first president of Japanese descent. His parents were from Kawachi-machi in Kumamoto City, where the cousin lives.
The cousin, Fujimori Fujio, said that when Alberto visited Kumamoto as the next Peruvian president, he also stopped by Fujio’s home.
The 87-year-old cousin said that from Alberto’s demeanor and way of speaking, he felt that Alberto had the qualities to become president.
The cousin referred to the hostage crisis of the Japanese ambassador’s residence in the capital, Lima.
He said he was proud as a member of the Fujimori family that Alberto oversaw the rescue operation and saved many hostages.
However, he said it was unfortunate that Alberto had to spend his later years in prison.