research and lifestyle insight from a Tokyo art director
Although my focus is primarily on web design and development, I’ll never lose my love for print design. There’s something special about seeing what you made in physical form, everywhere, in supermarkets and in people’s apartments. Even more special is seeing that same design 4 years later, untouched.
I love Kirin, and I love beer. Memories of my first year in Japan are peppered with great dinners paired with a cold Super Dry. I saw this new campaign on the train today and my immediate thought was, “Free beer?”. This is an example of a campaign that only works in Japan. The terms, “Free”, “Calorie Off”, and simply, “Off” are all common English terms adopted by Japanese corporations to market their diet and alcohol-free products. I appreciate the simplicity of it, but had a hard time stifling a laugh at the sight of “Free” beer.
Found these signs posted along Nanjing Road in Shanghai, China. Activating Bluetooth near these signs gives your mobile phone access to discounts and special offers at the surrounding shops and restaurants. The signs are managed by NCN Media.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pacman, Namco and the convenience store chain Sunkus tie up with a release of a Pacman shaped steamed bun. The bun itself is filled with cookie and custard cream. The custard cream is a typical Japanese dessert filling, but the inclusion of the cookie element is a new thing. The bun is about $1.25USD~(120 yen) and is available for a limited time only. Beneath the bun is a custom designed wrapper with information about Pacman’s 30th anniversary.
Tie-ups like this are not uncommon in Japan, but this product is very unique and an intelligent pairing of concepts. I can’t vouch for the flavor of the product though, even for the Japanese market, the flavor was a little exotic.