On July 11th, a press conference took place for “Message from Japan“, a video message produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Japan Tourism Agency, starring the popular Johnny’s group Arashi.
In order to help with the slump in tourism after March’s Tohoku Earthquake, Arashi introduced places from all over Japan to show the world the charm of these various areas. The film will started broadcasting on the big screen in New York City’s Times Square, and will be shown in over 133 countries and regions around the world.
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The objective of this film will be to convey gratitude to foreign countries for their support after the Tohoku Earthquake, and to invite foreigners to visit Japan. A Maneki Neko was used as a symbol of good luck, delivering a welcome message to the world.
In the film, Matsumoto Jun enjoys an asparagus genghis khan in Hokkaido, Ninomiya Kazunariexperiences a festival in Aomori with the locals, Ohno Satoshi participates in Zen meditation and a tea ceremony in Kyoto, Sakurai Sho savors local dishes in Kagoshima, and Aiba Masaki makes a giant Maneki Neko with children at Mibaru Beach in South Okinawa.
“Message from Japan” will gradually begin airing on monitors in airports and diplomatic establishments in countries all over the world on July 11th at 10:30 AM JST.
Take a look at the film below!
