New Zealand is now more famous because of its Giant Rugby ball. When Japanese people have watched about this in Tokyo, they get so interested that as if they really hooked in it.

It was covered by over 100 journalists from Japan's eleven national television stations, eleven national newspapers and more than forty websites. It was viewed by an audience estimated to be well over 34 million, while the newspapers have a total readership of 30 million.

This is a big bump to the tourism New Zealand's website for Japan, doubling the number of users from 1500 to 3000 today. Hundreds of locals queued to see the spectacular audio visual display inside the ball to learn more about New Zealand.

The opening united Japanese and New Zealand cultures, with a formal Māori mihi whakatau, or welcome, which Shinto Priests responded to with their own formal blessing.

Furthermore, Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton said the interest in the ball has been phenomenal. He said that the purpose of this seven day project is to promote New Zealand and for the Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand is very grateful that even other countries like Japan appreciate the projects that they are doing. This could not be made possible through the efforts of the people in New Zealand. We suppose that New Zealand will make it more adventurous. [via scoop.co.nz]