Japan's fashion brands are now expanding their market base, especially in the Asian continent.
GU Co. Ltd., a casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer known for its brand - "Uniqlo" has forayed into China, and is popularizing its products through Japanese actor Yuki Furukawa.
A TV drama artist, popular among the Chinese youth for his act in "Playful Kill in Tokyo", Yuki attended the opening event of GU store in Shanghai.
Keishi Ono, Division Director, GU, said: " GU aims to be a global fashion brand. We have developed typical Japanese fashion to cater to the Asian market. It is different from American and European brands. GU has 220 shops in Japan, the opening of its Shanghai shop is an expansion of its overseas market. We have nominated Yuki Furukawa as the brand ambassador for global promotion. He has many followers in China."
Yuki Furukawa has over 800,000 followers on the Chinese website "Weibo".
The comments by his fans reflect his popularity among the Chinese people.
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A fan said: "He is my favorite hero. I like him."
The fan further said: "His drama "Playful kiss in Tokyo" has many fans on the Internet. Despite his being a Japanese actor, many Chinese girls are Yuki's fans. It was the main reason for me to publish a collection of his photographs."
The fame of Yuki Furukawa is helping strengthen Japan's ties with China, ASEAN member countries and India.
However, besides artists, there are sportspersons too, who are helping Asian countries connect.
Yamaha Motor Corporation and Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing organized "the 10th Yamaha Asean Cup Race" at Sentual International Circuit in Bogor at West Java, Indonesia.
A total of 44 riders from Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Japan thrilled the spectators.
The overall team championship title went to Indonesia for a sixth time record.
Two-time MotoGP World champion rider, Jorge Lorenzo joined the event to promote friendship through his breathtaking riding performance.
He gave a circuit demo-run on a larger sport motorcycle YZF-R6.
Jorge Lorenzo, MotoGP rider, Yamaha Factory Racing, said: "I feel always very familiar with all the team, from I entered the team in 2008, when I was 20-years-old, they all brought me love and enthusiasm with my arrival. As well as my bike has always been very competitive, they always try to improve it for the riders and to give us the best bike possible. So I'm very happy, very proud and very grateful with Yamaha Team."
Yamaha motor brand is associated with motorsports and racing.
A large crowd of over 50,000 young enthusiasts gathered and enjoyed the festival of motor sports and music together.