POP GROUP F4 PROMOTES TAIWAN'S TOURISM IN JAPAN

POP GROUP F4 PROMOTES TAIWAN'S TOURISM IN JAPAN 2007-03-07 20:50:32

Tokyo, March 7 (CNA) Popular Taiwanese four-man pop group, F4, held an international news conference in Tokyo to promote tourism in Taiwan and went to Fuji Television Network for a shoot on the famous television variety show of the Japanese five-man group, SMAP, where they talked about beauty of Taiwan.

F4 members Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu said they were proud to be representatives of Taiwan's tourism at the international press conference organized by Taiwan's Tourism Bureau. The four members all showed off aspects of Taiwan that they favor, from beautiful natural scenery to delicious local fruits and dishes.

F4 talked about beauty of Taiwan during SMAP's show, "SMAP¡Ñ SMAP"-- the most sought after program for Japanese variety artists wishing to make a public appearance. This was the first time that Taiwanese artists have been on the program. Board Chairman of AzioTV Go Fu-hung said the show was designed by Takuya Kimura, a SMAP member and one of Japan's most favorite pop idol, and is scheduled to air next week.

Lai So-chen, director-general of Taiwan's Tourism Bureau said in the press conference that Japanese people made 1.16 million visits to Taiwan in 2006. With the Taiwan High Speed Rail operational, the opening of the renovated National Palace Museum, and completion of the Hsuehshan tunnel, Lai said Taiwan is ready to welcome far more visitors.

(By Yang Ming-chu and Ruth Wang)
source: http://www.cna.com.tw/eng/cepread.php?id=200703070041