[nmskalmn]

Puffy first Japanese pop stars to perform in Macy's parade

Ryuichi Otsuka / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent

Pop music duo Puffy took part in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Thursday, with Puffy's Ami Onuki and Yumi Yoshimura the first Japanese singers to participate in the United States' largest holiday parade.

Puffy has become popular with American children since "Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi," a cartoon featuring the duo, began airing in the United States in November 2004.

As the float carrying the duo moved forward on Broadway, children in the crowd cheered and called out the singers' names.

The parade organized by Macy's department store was first held in 1924. More than 2.5 million people gather to see the event every year.

Puffy performed in front of Macy's, the parade's final destination. Their performance was broadcast live throughout the United States.

Onuki and Yoshimura said they were surprised to see so many people along the road despite the cold weather, and that they had enjoyed being in the parade.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features...26TDY03005.htm