In order to publicize its name overseas and to attract more foreign visitors this fiscal year, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, has launched a public relations project using TV programs.

It began with the airing of "Travel in Chiba Prefecture" as part of the "Sugoi (Fabulous) Japan!" series of programs, which are being aired in the Kingdom of Thailand to introduce traveling in Japan. The programs were filmed early last October by a Thai staff specially invited by the Chiba Prefectural Government to Japan.

1. Objective

Chiba Governor Kensaku Morita visited Thailand in August 2012 to be engaged in a campaign blitz in person to promote his prefecture. The Thai economy has been growing dramatically and Thai citizens have been exempt from Japanese visa requirements since July 2013. Based on this background, the Chiba Prefectural Government invited TV industry personnel from Thailand to produce programs for introducing the prefecture to the Thai public.

2. Programs

(1) Title: Sugoi Japan

(2) Airing station: Media News Channel (Satellite broadcasting station)

(3) Date and time of airing: Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

(4) Performer: Hiro Sano, a popular Japanese actor who appears in many films, TV dramas and variety shows in Thailand.

(5) Content: The performer (Mr. Hiro Sano) visits many places in Japan to introduce Japan's "sugoi mono" (fabulous stuff) that Thai people have never seen before.

3. Airing of "Travel in Chiba Prefecture" episodes (planned)

November 30: "Cheering Chiba Lotte Marines Professional Baseball Team" (Chiba City, already aired)

December 7: "Camping Experience" (Kimitsu and Tateyama cities, already aired)

December 14: "Big Festival of Sawara" (Katori City, already aired)

January 4: "Trip on Local Trains" (Isumi City, already aired)

January 18: "Life That Respects Nature" (Katori and Isumi cities)

Note: From about a week after the airing of a program, it can be viewed on the Japanese tourism website "WABISABI JAPAN" (http://www.wabisabijp.com/)