By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 14: Sarawak-born cosplayer Hakken Ryou who has gained millions of fans all around the world was appointed as one of Tokyo Tourism Ambassadors yesterday.
Hakken who identified as agender, announced the news on Twitter on the same day.
“I’m appointed as Tokyo Tourism Ambassador today!” Hakken wrote.
According to a report by Foreign Press Centre Japan (FPCJ), the international cosplayer is among 14 influencers from around the world chosen by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to promote and attract tourists to the capital of Japan.
The 13 others are Ginza Mutsukari executive chef Akiyama Yoshihisa; film producer/director Alan Poul; vegan restaurant Saido chef Kusumoto Katsumi; K-Ballet Company/Bunkamura Orchard Hall artistic director Kumakawa Tetsuya; investor/entrepreneur Jonathan Malveaux; vegetarian restaurant Daigo fourth-generation owner Nomura Yusuke; media personality Harry Sugiyama; Short Shorts Film Festival’s Asia president and actor Bessho Tetsuya; Hololive VTuber Sakura Miko, Mori Calliope and Gawr Gura; Hotel De Mikuni owner and chef Mikuni Kiyomi; fashion and beauty creative director Misha Janette; Hal Yamashita restaurant owner and executive chef Haruyuki Yamashita; and Chanel G.K. chairman Richard Collasse.
I’m appointed as Tokyo Tourism Ambassador today!
よろしくお願いします！ pic.twitter.com/8eQDyMM7g8— Hakken 八犬 (@HakkenRyou) February 13, 2023
Hakken hails from Miri and is 25 years old.
Hakken is signed to Philippines-founded esports and entertainment brand Tier One Entertainment alongside cosplay royalty Shunsuke and Knite.
As a cosplayer, Hakken is best known for portraying popular anime characters such as Uchiha Itachi from Naruto, Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen and Tomioka Giyuu from Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer).
Thousands of fans thronged Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in July last year for a meet-and-greet session with Hakken during the 11th anniversary of Pavilion KL’s Tokyo Street. – DayakDaily
