TOKYO, Sep. 13 – Aomori and Nagano Prefectures have appointed the members of Japan’s popular music band, Mrs. Green Apple, as Green Apple Ambassadors who promote the two leading apple-producing prefectures in Japan. The prefectures will start selling green apples in boxes exclusively designed with the band members nationwide and implement several other promotional activities.
Prefectural Governors handed the letters of appointment to them at a ceremony held in Tokyo, where Motoki Omori, a singer and guitarist, told the press that he has an allergy to apples. “Though I cannot eat apples, I will do my best to promote consumption. I want to send messages to people all over Japan,” he said.
It marks the first joint effort by the two competing apple-producing prefectures to boost apple consumption. A keyboard player, Ryoka Fujisawa, is from Nagano Prefecture, and that was one of the reasons for the appointment.
Nagano Governor Shuichi Abe expressed his joy, saying, “This is a dream come true, as we had been looking for opportunities for collaborations.” Aomori Prefecture Governor Soichiro Miyashita said, “We hope that the appeal of Aomori apples will echo throughout Japan, just like the music of Mrs. Green Apple.”
Members of Mrs. Green Apple appointed as Green Apple Ambassadors (in Minato Ward, Tokyo)