Is Koizumi a popularist?

Is Koizumi a popularist?
I would answer, "Yes, but No."
He is the one who frequently exposes himself to cameras.

But he didn't suck up to mass media.
What they call "sucking up" is changing one's opinion hearing domestic opinion, suggesting various sweet policies, or inviting a famous stylist to look gorgeous on camera.
Who did this? It's the leader of Democratic party, Okada, who was defeated with a huge decrease of seats.

It's not just that Japanese voters liked Koizumi's straight policy. Look at Domocratic party. People seem to punish a party which determined to play both ends against the middle.