Become friends with Japan

It's sweet sentiments like this that make this country almost too endearing to leave.

Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura appointed the cat an "anime ambassador," handing a human-sized Doraemon doll an official certificate at an inauguration ceremony, along with dozens of "dorayaki" red bean pancakes - his favorite dessert - piled on a huge plate.

Komura told the doll, with an unidentified person inside, that he hoped he would widely promote Japanese animated cartoons, or "anime."

"Doraemon, I hope you will travel around the world as an anime ambassador to deepen people's understanding of Japan so they will become friends with Japan," Komura told the blue-and-white cat.

If anyone can do it, it's Xiao Ding Dong! Also, don't miss the last line:

Astro Boy, another cartoon icon, was named last November as ambassador for overseas safety.