InsideJapan News Network
Monday,
12th
October
2009
In Sports,
In Sports,
Astro Boy leads Japan World Cup bid
An unlikely candidate has been revealed to spearhead Japan's bid to host the 2018 or 2022 football World Cup.
The figurehead for the newly launched campaign is computer-generated character Astro Boy.
He is currently appearing in Japan in a feature film released by animation house Imagi International Holdings.
The studio has created a short film starring Astro Boy in a football kit in honour of Japan's desire to host the event.
Chiong Kit Phoon, executive deputy chairman of Imagi, says: "Japan's decision to name Astro Boy as its public relations ambassador is further evidence that Astro Boy is a Japanese icon with worldwide appeal."
In 2002, Japan acted as co-host for the World Cup, partnering with South Korea in staging the event.
However, Kohzo Tashima, general secretary of Japan's Football Association, suggests that in 2018 or 2022 the country would look to co-host the event with all the countries of the world.
Written by Graham McPherson
Related news stories:
Japan to host the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup (14th February 2012)
Homare Sawa wins the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year (10th January 2012)
Japan 2011 World Club Cup a success as Barcelona crowned champions (19th December 2011)
Japan aim to be 'most improved' (20th September 2011)
The figurehead for the newly launched campaign is computer-generated character Astro Boy.
He is currently appearing in Japan in a feature film released by animation house Imagi International Holdings.
The studio has created a short film starring Astro Boy in a football kit in honour of Japan's desire to host the event.
Chiong Kit Phoon, executive deputy chairman of Imagi, says: "Japan's decision to name Astro Boy as its public relations ambassador is further evidence that Astro Boy is a Japanese icon with worldwide appeal."
In 2002, Japan acted as co-host for the World Cup, partnering with South Korea in staging the event.
However, Kohzo Tashima, general secretary of Japan's Football Association, suggests that in 2018 or 2022 the country would look to co-host the event with all the countries of the world.
Written by Graham McPherson
Related news stories:
Japan to host the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup (14th February 2012)
Homare Sawa wins the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year (10th January 2012)
Japan 2011 World Club Cup a success as Barcelona crowned champions (19th December 2011)
Japan aim to be 'most improved' (20th September 2011)
Latest Headlines
-
Click on a region above to expand
Order a
Hyper excited about Japan -
17/02/2012
InsideJapan meets Masterchef at Destinations - 27/01/2012
Show Time for IJT – Get your FREE tickets here! - 01/12/2011
Show all stories >>
InsideJapan meets Masterchef at Destinations - 27/01/2012
Show Time for IJT – Get your FREE tickets here! - 01/12/2011
Show all stories >>
-2010.jpg "The Guardian, The Observer - Travel Awards 2010 Winner - Best tour operator (small)")
.jpg "Inside Japan Tours - Silver at the British Travel Awards 2009")
