TOKYO (AFP) — As Japan’s next premier prepares to make his mark on the world stage, his wife is already grabbing global headlines with tales of an extraterrestrial adventure and meeting Tom Cruise in a past life.

Japan’s first lady-in-waiting, Miyuki Hatoyama, is an unabashedly eccentric former actress with an interest in spirituality who fondly talks about her soul visiting Venus on a triangular spaceship.

With her trademark shoulder-length bob and cheerful personality, the 66-year-old looks set to liven up the traditionally staid role of a premier’s wife.

She talked about her trip to Venus in a book published last year.

“I can’t prove it but some 20 years ago I believe my soul rode on a triangular UFO and went to Venus while my body was asleep. It was a very beautiful place and very green,’’ she said.

Her remarks have been splashed across newspapers as far afield as India, Israel, Britain and the United States.

“How come we don’t have more colourful leaders?’’ asked the headline in the Jerusalem Post.

“Japan’s new Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama, faces formidable foreign policy challenges in dealing with an expansionist China, a nuclear armed North Korea and a sinister Russia,’’ said the Times of London.

“But he need have no concerns about establishing friendly relations with the planet Venus — his own wife is a friend of the Venusians, having travelled there in a UFO.’’

Miyuki, who was dubbed “Mrs Occult’’ by Time Magazine, told a recent television talk show she had a burning desire to make a film in Hollywood, with Tom Cruise as the lead actor.

“I know he was a Japanese in a previous life,’’ she said playfully.

“I remember that he and I were together (in a previous life). I believe he’d get it if I said to him ‘long time no see’ when I meet him.’’