Schwarzenegger to appear in TV ad to promote California in Japan

Wednesday 18th June, 01:42 PM JST

TOKYO —

California Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger, 60, will appear in a TV ad campaign in Japan to promote California. Schwarzenegger will introduce Hollywood and Disneyland as well as Californian industries and nature in the ads, which will be aired from Friday. His voice will be dubbed by Tessho Genda, 60, who has dubbed him in his films in Japan.

Schwarzenegger, who was popularly known as “Schwa-chan” during his movie days, last appeared in TV ads in Japan in 1993.

Latest 15 of 27 Total Comments Show All

KaptainKichigai at 09:19 PM JST - 18th June

Maybe in your casual conversations.
namabiru4me at 09:54 PM JST - 18th June

"Hi, I am Schwa-chan. Please come and visit our beautiful state where cities are bankrupt, water is in short supply, and gas is at an all time high, not to mention outrageous airfare. California; our tomatoes are not contaminated, we think!"
Sarge at 10:27 PM JST - 18th June

"It ( the ad ) is cringeworthy"

Cringeworthy! Ha ha ha! I like that word! I have seen many cringeworthy ads, TV shows, movies...

namabiru - You've never actually been to the beautiful state of California, have you?
usaexpat at 12:13 AM JST - 19th June

The governator is promoting California, seems like a natural as he already has recognition in Japan.
himasan at 06:39 AM JST - 19th June

They shouldnt dub over Arnie`s voice, hes accent is part of his appeal. Just an excuse to give some loser hasbeen voice actor some crumbs.
kinniku at 08:07 AM JST - 19th June

Why not actually try showing people in Japan his picture and asking what his name is? The commercial was for 'arinaminn V' an energy drink. Yes, that is where the nickname came from and it has stuck.
Betting at 10:12 AM JST - 19th June

He's Austria? I always thought that accent was ... Australian oh doh!! No wonder they need to dub it.
nisegaijin at 03:08 PM JST - 19th June

There are no fayaaas in state of Kaliforniaa!!! GET DAAAAOONN!!!!!
timorborder at 10:44 PM JST - 19th June

Pretty poor form to pick up on the Gov's accent. He is both an American citizen and a credit to the US policy of allowing people from all over the world to become citizens of the country. Color, creed or accent should not be an issue.
timorborder at 10:46 PM JST - 19th June

Arnold used to flog a genki drink with Rie Miyazawa. They were known as the Rie-chan, Schwa-chan combination.
Hughgarse at 11:43 AM JST - 23rd June

can`t be anything worse than this... http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=skBlEbsM0jM
rajakumar at 02:04 AM JST - 24th June

Terminator arnie to promote california terminations like in terminator movies, or creations. California should have got,other sunshine people to promote california, may be of the likes,of Jim carrey,and many others. They should get more good guy, positive role models for california tourism. This is bad choice, from california state, for its association with terminator movies/arnie.
rtrhead1 at 09:55 AM JST - 25th June

Why is it that anything foreign, the Japanese feel the need to dub? Can they not read? Is it too far over their heads? Every time it seems when I see a show on about any foreign country, they dub over all the voices AND subtitle it. Come on, is it really that hard to read subs in your native tongue?
Zen_Builder at 10:00 AM JST - 25th June

They also sub-title a LOT of japanese talents.

Dubbing/subbing is the norm in NON-english speaking countries.
rajakumar at 06:19 AM JST - 26th June

rtrhead1- You are right on,agree with you.