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Japan Air Lines Cashes In On Japan`s `Godzilla`
Tokyo, July 05: Gracing a Japan Air Lines 747, the baseball player known as `Godzilla` is going yard daily with another aircraft joining the `Matsui Express` fleet later this month.
Tokyo, July 05: Gracing a Japan Air Lines 747, the baseball player known as "Godzilla" is going yard daily with another aircraft joining the "Matsui Express" fleet later this month.
JAL is hoping to capitalize on the New York Yankees player's success, while rival ANA is using ties to soccer superstar David Beckham after his recent Japan visit.
Matsui, who signed a three-year, $21-million deal in January with the Yankees, also advertises for sporting goods maker Mizuno, Snow Brand Milk and the nation's post office - although his agent declined to specify for how much.
In terms of popularity, Matsui's jersey has been a hot seller on-line and at retailers, while games of New York and Ichiro Suzuki's Seattle Mariners remain a satellite television staple in Japan.
But the true test of Japanese fandom may be this year's All-Star game, in which Ichiro leads all players in votes and Godzilla has roared ahead to take the AL's No. 2 starting outfield spot.
A final tally is expected soon and if Matsui is on the runway at baseball's Midsummer Classic in Chicago, the cheers of Japanese fans and businesses may have only just taken off.
Bureau Report
JAL is hoping to capitalize on the New York Yankees player's success, while rival ANA is using ties to soccer superstar David Beckham after his recent Japan visit.
Matsui, who signed a three-year, $21-million deal in January with the Yankees, also advertises for sporting goods maker Mizuno, Snow Brand Milk and the nation's post office - although his agent declined to specify for how much.
In terms of popularity, Matsui's jersey has been a hot seller on-line and at retailers, while games of New York and Ichiro Suzuki's Seattle Mariners remain a satellite television staple in Japan.
But the true test of Japanese fandom may be this year's All-Star game, in which Ichiro leads all players in votes and Godzilla has roared ahead to take the AL's No. 2 starting outfield spot.
A final tally is expected soon and if Matsui is on the runway at baseball's Midsummer Classic in Chicago, the cheers of Japanese fans and businesses may have only just taken off.
Bureau Report