Celebrating the Approach of 10 Million Visitors: Japan Gives Out "Arashi" Handkerchiefs to Welcome Travelers

Reported by You t / Comprehensive Report

In 2013, the number of overseas tourists visiting Japan has repeatedly hit record highs, and is set to reach the 10 million mark by year’s end. To express gratitude for the enthusiastic support of international visitors, the Japan Tourism Agency has once again enlisted the services of Arashi—the tourism ambassadors since 2010—who will launch a welcome campaign starting December 1 at six major airports: Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose, and Fukuoka.

 Arashi’s Cool Japan Handkerchief (Arashi towel). (Photo / Provided by the Interchange Association Japan)

The campaign will feature large advertising billboards at airport exits, where the five idol stars appear in different colored outfits, greeting visitors with bright, energetic smiles and dynamic poses to convey the messages “Welcome (YOKOSO)” and “Thank you (ARIGATOU).” To celebrate the milestone of 10 million overseas visitors, the Tourism Agency will also distribute a limited-edition souvenir—the “Arashi’s Cool Japan Handkerchief (Arashi towel)”—to international tourists from December 1 to 31, 2013. Visitors can print out their information by filling out an online form and pick up the handkerchiefs at five locations: the Marunouchi Tourist Information Center, Kansai Airport, Chubu Airport, New Chitose Airport, and Fukuoka Airport. Only 3,000 units are available, while supplies last. For more details, please refer tohttp://www.jnto.go.jp/cooljapan/en/.