Tokyo, July 25, 2006: Host broadcaster TBS revealed the "official supporter" and theme song for the FIVB World Championships Japan 2006 at a colourful press conference on Tuesday morning.
The two-boy band known as WaT (Eiji Wentz and Teppei Koike) were joined on stage by three all-girl groups from the "Hello! Project" entertainment brand: Morning Musume (Morning Girls), DEF. DIVA (DEF. standing for definitive) and Berryz Kobo (Berryz Workshop).
This youthful collection of singing/dancing talent, numbering 21 members in all, have a massive following in Japan's lucrative J-Pop scene, and will bring some glamour and sparkle to the entertainment programme surrounding the World Championships.
The Managing Director of the Japan Volleyball Association, Norio Yamagishi, welcomed everyone to the morning press conference before the programme was outlined by Kei Yasue, protocol and ceremony director/entertainment director of the World Championships.
WaT members Wentz and Teppei wrote the lyrics for the official theme song, called "Ready go!", and this will be the catchy musical backdrop for the 208 World Championships matches, which run from October 31 to December 3.
Around 140 members of the sports and entertainment media, plus 30 photographers, attended the event at the luxurious Tokyo Prince Hotel Park Tower -- venue for the FIVB World Congress from October 23-25.
Also in attendance were World Championships mascot Val-kun and TBS's cuddly volleyball character, Volley Boo.
Kei Yasue and JVA Managing Director Norio Yamagishi
