Actor Ken Matsudaira has partnered with Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise for a themed event to pray for sunny weather during Golden Week [1].

The collaboration leverages Matsudaira's public reputation as a "sunny man" to attract visitors and ensure fair weather for the leisure facility's peak holiday season [1].

The event, titled "Matsuken-mamire Yuenchi," transformed the entire park with decorations themed after the actor [2]. This large-scale takeover began on April 17, 2026 [3], and is scheduled to run through May 7, 2026 [4].

As part of the project, the facility in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, integrated Matsudaira's image into its atmosphere to provide guests with a unique experience [1]. The timing coincides with one of Japan's busiest travel windows, Golden Week, where outdoor attractions rely heavily on clear skies to maximize attendance [1].

Matsudaira appeared at the facility to support the weather prayers. "I want (Matsuken-sama) to be here always. It will be sunny because he is truly a sunny man," Matsudaira said [1].

The initiative seeks to blend entertainment with traditional hopes for good weather, turning the actor's persona into a focal point for the park's seasonal marketing [2]. Visitors can experience the themed decorations, and participate in events designed around the actor's flamboyant image [2].

The collaboration remains active until May 7 [4], marking a concentrated effort to boost the park's visibility during the spring holiday surge.

“The collaboration leverages Matsudaira's public reputation as a 'sunny man' to attract visitors.”

This collaboration reflects a common Japanese marketing strategy of tying celebrity personas to seasonal luck or environmental conditions. By associating the park with Matsudaira's 'sunny man' image, the venue is not only promoting a brand partnership but also attempting to mitigate the psychological risk of bad weather for potential tourists during the critical Golden Week period.