The AKB48 pop group and actor Tomohiro Sekiguchi have been named goodwill ambassadors for events commemorating the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations between Japan and China.
Hiromasa Yonekura, chairman of the Keidanren business association and head of the commemoration planning committee, appointed them Monday.
"I receive encouragement and positive energy every time I visit China. I will do my utmost to further enhance exchanges and cooperation with Chinese people," said Sae Miyazawa of the all-girl AKB48, who visited the Keidanren office in Tokyo.
Fellow group members Yui Yokoyama and Rie Kitahara said they were also eager to learn more about China.