Japanese actor Yano Koji. [Photo/Xinhua]

Reading thankful messages from Chinese people, he says: "I just did what I should do.

"I began working in China in 2000. Throughout those years I received support and encouragement from many Chinese people, without which I could have never become who I am today," he says emotionally."I am grateful to China and the Chinese people.

"I feel sad seeing China in such difficulty," he added."In fact what I did is nothing. But I will be happy if I could make my Chinese friends feel warm, even a little bit."

He was hesitant, at first, to be interviewed. "While people in China are combating the epidemic, it is not time for a foreign actor to talk."

But he is glad to see the epidemic bring Chinese and Japanese people closer. From Tokyo's iconic Skytree tower, with an illuminated "Be strong, China" sign to the poetic verses written on boxes of donated masks, Japanese residents have touched the Chinese with their timely help and kind words.

"Today many Japanese appreciate Chinese culture and are concerned about what's happening in China," he says."We two countries are neighbors and should help each other. When we had difficulties, we received aid from the Chinese as well."

Currently working in Japan on a detective TV show, he was scheduled to take part in the production of a film in March, but the plan was postponed due to the novel coronavirus epidemic.

While he has no idea when his work will hit the screen, the actor takes to social media to ask his fans to protect themselves against the disease. "Wash your hands frequently, wear masks and take good rest," he says."You may feel bored confined to your apartment, but there are actually lots of things to do: exercise, learn something new, read a book or watch the movies that you don't otherwise have time to watch. This difficult time shall come to an end."

Talking about Wuhan, he says."I traveled there to work and stayed for about a week. I tried local food which was really yummy. It was a pity that I was too busy then to walk around.

"After the epidemic, I will definitely go there again," he says. "I will sit underneath the trees and enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms."