Interview: It's a Source of Stress; Akie Abe talks about the stir over her style, her youth, her willingness to hold hands in public.(Interview)(Cover story)

Byline: Christian Caryl and Akiko Kashiwagi

Since her husband became prime minister last September, Akie Abe--who at 44 is Japan's youngest First Lady ever--has quietly revolutionized her unofficial office with her charm, fashion flair, frankness and steady advocacy of several causes. In an interview in the prime minister's Tokyo office in January, she spoke to NEWSWEEK's Christian Caryl and Akiko Kashiwagi about how she sees her job.

NEWSWEEK: What are you hoping to do in your new capacity?

ABE: Before my husband became prime minister I always thought I wanted to work as a volunteer. [Now] I've been exploring how I could help and visiting [developing] countries. When I see poverty, I realize how important early education is. I hope to do something to help those children who are suffering from poverty get a good education. Just like my husband, who talks about Japan as "the beautiful country," I [also] hope to introduce our wonderful culture and spirit to the world. It is a little embarrassing that there are people outside Japan who know about Japan more than I do, but I want to take the opportunity to show Japanese culture to the utmost.

You've said before you feel a sense of mission as First Lady.

I don't think I have a strong sense of mission. What I am doing is simply visiting places in order to cheer children up and encourage them. I think I am in a position to create more exposure for the achievements of those volunteer workers who are working hard overseas and the children who are studying [in poor neighborhoods]. There are many problems in Japan [as well as in other countries]. If I can draw attention to them, then I think it's my duty to try. Sometimes I feel a little constrained, but if somebody can get the attention they deserve through my help, that would [be] a great pleasure for me. I hope to visit as many places as possible on my own, including juvenile reform schools, hospitals and other facilities. Because my husband cannot visit so many places, I would be happy if I could do that instead.

So are you trying to help your husband make policy?