Tom Cruise touched down in Tokyo, Japan today (December 1st 2011) to begin the final promotional drive for the long-awaited fourth instalment of the 'Mission Impossible' franchise as the official premiere for the film takes place. Cruise was in Japan to attend a limited fan only screening, having chosen the location ahead of Dubai - where major parts of the film were shot - in light of the hardships the country had faced this year in wake of the dreadful Tsunami disaster earlier this year.
Reuters reports that, having attended a red carpet event upon arrival, Cruise had said "I know this country has been through lots this year, but I also know the strength and courage of this country and I know you will get through it. And I want you to know how much we love you and the world is thinking of you, and we are here."
Though some may scoff, the 49 year-old actor's emotional investment in Japan isn't misguided; one fan - 48 year-old Misao Otsu - was touching in her praise for Cruise, stating "I always go to see these (Mission Impossible) movies on opening day," adding, "I want the series to continue. What Tom does is beyond what a human being can do," and such is the respect that he's held in the land of the rising sun, the film will be released in Japan on December 16th - five days earlier than in the star's home country of the US.