A Malaysian represents Japan in France
Namewee has been selected as Japan’s ambassador for cultural exchange show in Paris.
MALAYSIAN entertainer Namewee posted a video clip on July 10 showing himself as an ambassador for cultural exchange representing Japan at an event in Paris.
The two-minute-long video showed the 35-year-old Muar-born singer (real name Wee Meng Chee) speaking about his “special mission” as a foreign ambassador for cultural exchange.
Also captured in the video was Japanese comedian Pikotaro, best known for his 2016 viral hit PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen).
As it turns out, Namewee was invited to perform his viral hit Tokyo Bon 2020 at the Japan Expo 2018, and shared the stage with DJ KOO (leader of Japanese techno rave unit TRF or Tetsuya Komuro Rave Factory).
Japan Expo is an annual convention showcasing Japanese popular culture and entertainment; its 19th edition was held at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center from July 5 to 8 this year.
In a short video clip, Namewee described himself as a Malaysian musician who sings mainly in Chinese but strangely found himself representing Japan in France.
“I feel that music is a magical thing that can take you from one country to another, and then from that country to yet another.
“I’ve always said that music actually has ‘feet’. It can take us to lots of places. Some of which we have never been before, yet our music has reached there before us,” he said.
Namewee also noted that it was his first time ever setting foot in Europe.
“And that is why I want to encourage those who are into creative arts or music-making and tell them not to give up.
“Work on it slowly and persevere. Because, infectious music is something that is contagious and has the ability to catch on and spread far and wide ... in such a way that even a Malaysian can represent Japan, and come to France as a purveyor of foreign exchange,” he concluded with a wish for world peace.
A catchy pop song written and composed by Namewee with cute lyrics in Japanglish (Japanese English), Tokyo Bon 2020 is also known as Makudonarudo (McDonald’s in Japanese).
The music video features musical arrangement using elements of Japanese instruments such as shamisen and Okinawan music style, and showcases tourist sites like Tokyo Tower and other cultural interests like Sumo wrestlers, ninja warriors and Bon Odori dancers.
The five-minute music video was released on Namewee’s YouTube channel in November 2017, where it has chalked up 30 million views to date.