An Ambassador Double-Header

A few weeks ago while walking near Waterfront Park at Tokyo DisneySea, we spotted the current Tokyo Disney Resort Ambassador Naoko Sugiyama. After talking to a guest who seemed to be a close friend, we were able to meet her and take a few photos. She was very courteous and pleasant. She even apologized thinking we had to wait long to meet her (actually, about 10 minutes). But all was well at the end when she flashed that radiant smile. Nice! Her tenure is coming to an end on January 1st, when Marika Hatori takes over the ambassadorship.

What a difference a year makes. Take a look at a press release announcement from over a year ago here. Also, we have photos and video of last January's Induction Ceremony. Enjoy!

2007 TDS Ambassador Interview

The January 2007 issue of Disney Fan Magazine features an interview with 2007 Tokyo Disney Resort Ambassador Candidate Marika Hatori. She was selected in October out of about 100 Cast Member applicants from around the Resort. After a few months of training in the United States and Japan, she will officially take over the title from 2006 Ambassador Naoko Sugiyama in a ceremony held at Showbase in Tomorrowland on New Year's Day. Below is an interview translated from the Japanese-language magazine.

Why would you like to be Ambassador?
It's an opportunity to meet many people. Also, we can share the joy and pleasure of Disney with them.

What kind of promotions will you do?
The main thing is to introduce the final events for Tokyo DisneySea's 5th Anniversary to the press and other media.

After being Ambassador, do you have other goals?
My goal is to be bright and friendly with others. I want to make a more attractive image of the Resort for future guests.

Who's your favorite Disney character?
Of course, Mickey and Minnie. I like all of them, but I love Piglet because of his really cute outfit.

What's your favorite Disney movie?
It is hard to pick only one. One I saw recently was Tarzan, which showcased the love of family but featured comedic scenes. That's a wonderful movie because it was fun and emotional.

When was your first visit to the Parks?
When I was a child, I lived in the U.S. so I first experienced Walt Disney World. As a junior high school student, I visited TDL many times.

Miss Hatori was born in Tokyo on May 8th, 1979. She is a graduate of Sophia (Jouchi) University, Department of Law. Her hobbies include tennis and snowboarding.