SEOUL -- The Japanese are coming -- but this time they're being welcomed with open arms.

Chage and Aska were in the vanguard of this peaceful invasion of culture, playing two concerts in late August to 100,000 music fans at the sold-out Olympic Park in Seoul, while the films "Love Letter" and "Shall We Dance?" are packing South Korean movie theaters.

The next wave of arrivals will include pop diva Namie Amuro, who is certain to attract a full house at the 80,000-seat Chamsil Stadium in southern Seoul on Sept. 24 for a free concert, and the release of a whole slew of Japanese cartoon series and films.