A banner reading "Wish the Shanghai World Expo a Success" is unveiled during the opening ceremony of the promotion week of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo in Tokyo, Japan, March 24, 2008. Japanese singer Shinji Tanimura, table tennis player Ai Fukuhara and fashion designer Junko Koshino were chosen as the "image ambassadors" for the activity. (Xinhua Photo)

Three prominent Japanese figures were officially appointed image ambassadors of the 2010 Shanghai Expo on Monday at the opening ceremony of the Expo's Japan promotion week, accepting the mission of further introducing the Expo to the Japanese people.

Well-known singer Shinji Tanimura, table tennis star Ai Fukuhara and famous image designer Junko Koshino received credentials from Chinese officials representing the Shanghai municipal government and the Expo's organizing committee.

On behalf of the other two image ambassadors, Tanimura promised that the three will work together to help boost the popularity of the Shanghai Expo in Japan and promote friendly civil communication and mutual exchange between Japan and China.

At the ceremony, Chinese ambassador to Japan Cui Tiankai described the Shanghai Expo as not only important for Shanghai, but also a significant event of Asia and the entire world as well.