Japan has appointed popular actor and singer Ryotaro Sugi as special ambassador to promote the 40th anniversary of the cooperative ties between Japan and ASEAN member nations.

Sugi, 68, will engage in promotional campaigns for a musical festival, due to start in Tokyo in November as part of activities to commemorate the anniversary.

After meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, Sugi told reporters that ASEAN is the most important region for Japan, and he wants to develop cultural exchanges between the two sides.

Known for his roles in numerous samurai dramas, Sugi also contributed to the Vietnam – Japan friendship in his capacity as a special envoy.-VNA