Shanghai/Indonesia, Dec 17 (ANI): Japan's fashion brands are now expanding their market base, especially in the Asian sub-continent. GU Co. Ltd., a casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer known for its brand - "Uniqlo" has forayed into China and is popularizing its products through Japanese actor Yuki Furukawa. A TV drama artist, popular among the Chinese youth for his act in "Playful Kill in Tokyo", Yuki attended the opening event of GU store in Shanghai. Yuki Furukawa has over 800,000 followers on the Chinese website "Weibo". The comments by his fans reflect his popularity among the Chinese people. The fame of Yuki Furukawa is helping strengthen Japan's ties with China, ASEAN member countries and India. However, besides artists, there are sportspersons too, who are helping Asian countries connect.