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Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba this week appointed AKB48 as goodwill ambassadors to promote Japan as a safe destination for Chinese to visit.
The appointment is part of the "Vibrant Japan" campaign which the foreign ministry has launched to not only lure tourists back to Japan but also assure them that the country's products are safe.
Rie Kitahara, 20, Yui Yokoyama, 19, and Tomomi Itano, 20, attended the launch event with Gemba. Itano said the girls will do their best to assure Chinese people that Japan is a great place to visit.
AKB48 has a huge following in China. The group will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong later this month and in March, a foreign ministry spokesman said.
At each venue, there will be an exhibition zone for prefectural governments, a Visit Japan booth, a Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Japanese Business Zone, a taste of Japanese Food Zone, a Performance Stage Zone. Each zone will promote a different aspect of "Vibrant Japan."
© Japan Today
29 Comments
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NeoJamal
They better believe it since most of them are made in China
Aliasis
I wonder if AKB48's management pays JapanDaily a lot of money to blab them all over front headlines EVERY DAY with pointless, non-news articles? Serious question.
avigator
Non News.
warnerbro
Well they're 17 year-old high school dropouts. Of course, I'd take their word that Japan is safe over the scientists and physicians who know otherwise. I'd stay off the Chinese TGV if I were you, ladies. By the way, j4p4nFTW "Many Chinese like to challenge RAMEN" the meaning of challenge in English is not the same as in Japanese. I think you mean "try."
Captcanuck
"Stagnant Japan Tour"
KingBasil
Except that they are 19 and 20 as clearly indicated in the article.
I bet the Chinese win every time!
KingBasil
Hooray! More AKB48 news!
When they tell the Chinese people that Japan is still safe to visit, will they remind them its not a safe place to overstay your visa?
ObviousDemon
Vibrant??......like "Glow in the Dark"????
LoveNot
Although it is sad but the reality is well represented with this choice: the most talentless group ever representing Japanese culture at this moment.
oberst
the foreign ministry has launched to not only lure tourists back to Japan but also assure them that the country’s products are safe......................................................
So AKB48 is safe ?
kurisupisu
How is it that Japan is a safe place to visit?
Nobody in the mainstream Japanese press has explained the high readings of radiation in Tokyo,Saitama,Yokohama etc
There is high levels in Osaka bay even!
Why?
plasticmonkey
How about 'seduce'?
almostshat
If only you Js could realize how meaningless and irrelevant J celebrities and J culture is outside Japan.. DFK, DFC
Ben_Jackinoff
If anyone can help fix the economy, it is AKB48. As everyone knows, these lovely girls are generally reluctant to leave the recording studio where they work writing and recording their inspiring music. However, times like this call for people with true economic vision and these girls have it in bunches. How could the Chinese ever deny Japan as a safe tourist destination when AKB48 have certified it safe? In fact, such light fare is a waste of these performers' formidible talents. They should be in the Middle East working for peace.
kurisupisu
I will do a run out to the beaches and rivers around Kobe and see what I pick up on my Geiger counter - a trip to the sea bed is not possible but I will want to see if the reports on the spread are true....or not
kurisupisu
What a bizzare surreal world we are in where scientists are ignored and silenced and young female sex symbols extol patently untrue national virtues......
Ewan Huzarmy
Next, I'd like to see the AKB girls solve the problems in the Middle East, then, time allowing, put an end to global famine .... You go girls !!
Sarcasm321
I hope the AKB girls never get used in politics like this...it is great sadness. Such young girls have no place in erections.
blunderbuss
Over in one, plasticmonkey!
Seriously, these plain po-faced girls have killed more erections than they've caused. Take a good look at their Korean competition like Kara and Girls' Generation -- the latter group made a kick-ass appearance on Letterman earlier this month and they are hot, not kawai.
anglootaku
Chinese copied one hit wonders coming out soon
plasticmonkey
If AKB48 says this beach is safe to surf, this beach is safe to surf.
tokyokawasaki
What they really mean is, if you avoid reading or watching the news it 'will feel' like it is safe... More lies and propaganda from the ignorant dinosaurs within the government of Japan.
Neneswsw
Excuse me?...
LoveNot
I just read in another media that the mother of a member of AKB48 (44y.o.)has been prosecuted for sex with 15 years old boy. I am so disgusted with AKB48 background and find it shameful the media covered the scandal and that AKB48 are listened to by small children and young people.
Antonios_M
Source?
tmarie
Except that they are 19 and 20 as clearly indicated in the article.
And how long has the group been around? You might want to get your facts straight before trying to be the clever one.
j4p4nFTW
Many Chinese tourists come to Japan for go to shopping and seeing beautiful night view. Of course it is also safe place to visit with the most delicious food in the world. Many Chinese like to challenge RAMEN,, a dish that had roots in China but was importation to Japan, where Japanese chef leveled up the RAMEN with new taste and delicious ingredient. THE GINZA is an very popular place to go to shopping for the gems. Hopefully Chinese tourist comes and feels high level of service and warm Japanese hearts to tourists.
CVHuan
I love you AKB48! Enjoy your visit in a rising China. ^^ I hope they enjoy riding in Chinese high speed rail if they haven't before.
KingBasil
Aliasis, its possible. But the bottom line is, AKB48 is generating hits and comments. This says we want AKB48 news.