JKT48's Melody appointed as Okayama Prefecture's 'Fruits Ambassador'

Melody (22) from AKB48's Indonesian sister group JKT48 was appointed "Okayama Fruits Ambassador" on July 7th.

Okayama Prefecture Governor Ibaragi Ryuta personally presented Melody with the appointment letter.

The idol commented, "I will do my best to let the people of Indonesia know how delicious fruits from Okayama are."

As part of its goal to globalize the Okayama brand, the prefecture has begun a campaign to advertise and sell fruits to Jakarta, Indonesia. It is natural that they would then appoint the "Forever Ace" Melody who topped the First JKT48 General Elections in April this year.

On top of being an idol, Melody is also a student of agriculture at one of Indonesia's best schools, Padjadjaran University. Her dream is to work for Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture in the future and hopes to integrate Japanese technology to change her homeland's agriculture for the better.

Melody also added, "Even though last year was my first visit to Okayama, I was very impressed by how delicious the peaches and grapes were. I think there are still a lot of wonderful things about Okayama Prefecture that I don't know about. This year, I will learn more about Okayama through many experiences like making sweets, and I hope to promote that in Indonesia as well."

Fellow members Nabilah Ratna Ayu Azalia, Ratu Vienny Fitrilya and Riskha Fairunissa also attended the appointment ceremony in support of Melody.