Israel's anime effort to woo Japan
Israeli Embassy in Tokyo launches Japanese Web series telling story of two young sisters visiting Holy Land in hopes of promoting tourism from Japan: 'Idea is to show case Israel while paying homage to Japanese popular culture.'
The unprecedented public relations campaign will involve no less than seven episodes in which Saki and her sister Moriki visit different parts of Israel, and of course fall in love. Take a glimpse at the anime hasbara initiative:
The show details in vivid Japanese animation the story of the two sister's visit to Israel. Saki and Noroki's at time comic journey is peppered with visits from Shalom Chan – the embassy's mascot - which pops in occasionally with fun facts about Israel.
During their journey, the two sisters learn about the different experiences Israel has to offer, and even enjoy some Israeli-made sushi.
According Israel's ambassador to Japan, Ruth Kahanoff, the project's goal is "connect to Japanese pop culture, and use anime to reach the Japanese audience, especially youth, and display the Israel beyond the conflict."
According to Ronen Medzini, the embassy's spokesperson, "The feedback we're getting for the project is unprecedented.
The show is receiving massive media attention all across Japan. The main goal is to showcase the lighter and original aspects of Israeli society all the while paying homage and respect to Japanese popular culture."
On Monday, special premiere screening of the show was given to local journalists at the Tokyo branch of Max Brenner – Israel wines and chocolates included – and according to the embassy representatives of over 20 news and media outlets participated, from mainstream TV channels, to bloggers and film critics.
