Japan’s 'Thank You' Campaign to Woo Tourists in April

Keeping in mind the first anniversary of disaster, Japan will launch a special campaign to attract foreign tourists during April 2012, under the slogan "Japan Thank You." Japan finds the unique way to express gratitude for global support following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami last year.

Tourists can also visit 16 major tourist sites and use public transport free of charge in the city of Takayama in central Japan's Gifu Prefecture on the first anniversary.

The event will also mark the 100th anniversary of the gift to Washington of 3,000 cherry trees by Tokyo in 1912.

As part of the campaign, towers in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Beppu in Oita Prefecture, including Tokyo Sky Tree, the world's tallest free-standing tower will be lit up on the night of March 11.

"Japan Thank You" and a poster featuring rising carp to symbolize Japan's reconstruction efforts will be put up across Japan, especially at shopping districts and on the bodies of buses and taxis in such major cities as Sendai, Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto and Osaka.