OKINAWA — Actress Masami Nagasawa, 22, has been named “Churashima Okinawa Taishi” (“Beautiful Island Okinawa Ambassador”). The actress received a certificate this week from Okinawa Gov Hirokazu Nakaima, 69, at a ceremony held in the town of Yomitan.

Nagasawa, who was born in Shizuoka Prefecture, was chosen as Okinawa’s 90th ambassador, for her contribution in promoting Okinawa through her films. “Gunjou” (“Cobalt Blue”), which opens in cinemas on June 27, tells the story of a woman’s emotional recovery after her boyfriend’s death, and features Nagasawa’s first love scene. Nagasawa also starred in “Tears for You” in 2006 and “Breathe in, breathe out” in 2004, both of which were set in Okinawa.

Nagasawa, who has visited Okinawa every year for filming commitments or calendar shoots since her showbiz debut at age 13, said she hasn’t yet visited Okinawa for a vacation. “I’d like to come here with a nice man sometime. A bronzed stud like those on this island wouldn’t be bad either.”

Source JapanToday