Doraemon appointed anime cultural ambassador

Popular anime character Doraemon has been appointed Japan's anime cultural ambassador in a ceremony held at the foreign ministry in March, as part of the ministry's efforts to promote cultural exchange using pop culture such as manga. Minister Masahiko Komura encouraged Doraemon with the words: "We want you to fly all over the world, to teach the world's people about Japan, and to help Japanese people and those of all nations be friends." The ministry hopes to introduce Japan throughout the world by screening Doraemon movies in Japanese diplomatic missions abroad.