Japanese actor and music icon Takuya Kimura traveled to Taiwan for the first time to shoot a short film promoting the country's tourism. Around 500 fans welcomed a tanned Kimura at Taoyuan International Airport, all armed with pamphlets, posters, uchiwa (traditional round Japanese fan), and other memento of the pop idol.

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In nearly three decades of his career, this is Kimura's first time to set foot in the country. Hong Kong director John Woo invited the celebrated J-Pop star to work on a promotional film funded by Taiwan's Tourism Board. According to Deputy Director-General Liu Hsi-lin, featuring Kimura in the video will open the local tourism to a great number of Japanese tourists.

"Kimura appeals to both middle-aged white-collar workers and young professionals, who make up the largest number of Japanese tourists to Taiwan," Liu shared with Taipei Times.

For two days, Kimura will be shooting the short film that highlights Taiwan's culture, cuisine, and sustainable lifestyle. The video, which is part of a NT$50-million tourism promotion plan, will be released in Japan by the end of 2015 and will be available online for Taiwanese fans.

According to reports, Kimura is slated to stay in Taiwan for four days. With two already allotted to filming, the rest of his schedule is under a confidential agreement. Filming location, dates, and other details are being kept under wraps. Liu noted that Ko Fu-hung of Asia Plus Broadcasting, Ltd. was officially granted permission to communicate with Kimura's Japanese managers.

With reports of Kimura's arrival in the country, Liu said that changes in plans and personnel is highly probable to protect the shoot's confidentiality. Kimura, on the other hand, was reportedly pleased to see his fans waiting for him at the airport. He was wearing a simple printed shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat, and thick-framed glasses as he waved at his fans.

Kimura, fondly called by admirers as "Kimutaku," started his career with Johnny & Associates in 1988 when he became a member of the then-emerging boy band SMAP. With his good looks, Kimura became a favorite among women and voted most popular guy in Japanese magazine survey for more than 10 consecutive years. He soon starred in several Japanese dramas and movies, which earned him acting nominations and awards. SMAP staged their first international concert in Beijing in 2011.

TagsTakuya Kimura, Taiwan Tourism, Kimutaku, SMAP, Johnny & Associates, John Woo