My Favorite Cute Japanese Ads. # 1 - 5
Ranked #6,878 in Entertainment, #77,194 overall
What Is It About Japanese Ads. That I Love So Much?
No, make that CUTE!
What is it within these ads. that stirs the ancient Japanese heart to purchase goods and services that they don't want?
I wish I knew (I'd make a yen-fortune) but as a Westerner, I can only view them ignorantly but with much sincere admiration. If only our advertisers would take a leaf out of the crazy Japanese advertising ideas book, TV viewing would be so much more fun because the Japanese sense of humor is pretty weird!
N.B.: Japanese Needlefelt picture c/o feltcafe
# 1: Pretz Pretzels
I dare you not to love the jingle, the lead singer or the commercial!
I believe that the lead singer is Aya Matsuura, a Japanese pop star. Note the two culturally-dislocated white back-up singers, who make the whole Pretz concept just that little bit more bizarre and enjoyable.
"At 0.18 I was thinking 'This commercial can't get any better!' Then I saw the little Afro man that holds your pretzels for you and was like: 'It did!'" Youtube member SuppaFlyPie
"Pappi Puppi Pippu Puppu Puppu Pu PUUUUU!" Youtube member EiaChan
"Marilyn Monroe copycats making Betty Boop noises for a biscuit stick commercial in Japan....t-r-i-p-p-y." Youtube member CarefreeGirlie
"My God! Never have I been so turned on and TOTALLY annoyed at the same time! I don't know what to do!" Youtube member Ryanofweird33
N.B.: I've also included two more Pretz commercials, one at a tomato farm and one at the opera plus a couple of commercials for Papico, another product from Pretz' parent company, Glico.
Schizophrenic In Japan
an American ex-pat's guide to Japanese and American Society / Politics & Humor
Robert Klassen, author of Atlantis, a novel about economic government
"Mike Rogers is a one-man United Nations. With a wickedly astute sense of humor he successfully cross-pollinates two seemingly divergent worlds with daring insight and aplomb. He's a fearless David in a land of Goliaths; his perfectly aimed slings and arrows hit the bullseye every time."
Pamela DesBarres author of I'm With The Band, Rock Bottom, and Let's Spend the Night Together
Schizophrenic in Japan: An American Ex-Pat's Guide to Japanese and American Society/Politics & Humor
Amazon Price: $13.76 (as of 02/23/2012)
"Schizophrenic In Japan is one of the best books I've read this year, and...I read a lot. Bravo to Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers for a fantastic debut work." Amazon customer Steven Marcal Jr.
"This is a great book for getting people who are not interested in politics to open their eyes as it is written with humor and wit but when you stop to think about how true what the writer has written is, it might just make you upset. I couldn't put the book down and bought one for my on-the-fence leaning right wing sister. It is definitely a roller-coaster read. Very funny too, when he wants to be [but] dead serious at times." Amazon customer Rick Reynolds
"Michael Rogers has given us a witty and profoundly simple set of recommendations for getting along with our Asian friends and the world community as well. This book is a must for all citizens of the world. I could not put it down; I read it cover to cover in one sitting. " Amazon customer Ladonna Harrison
# 2: Fanta
available in grape and orange - "Yeah!"
I love those Western bikini girls at the end, too - the whole commercial is weird and cool at the same time!
"Holy cr*p!!! Ha-ha [A] weapon of mass Fanta." Youtube member BabyDollRazor
"Oh sh*t! Was that Pearl Harbor? " Youtube member KillerRedVine
"Do you need a gun license to own a Fanta?" Youtube member lilked3
+ some other Japanese Fanta ads, including a classic Diet Fanta weight loss one.
Hula Girls
a Japanese feelgood movie
Winner of 2006 Hochi Film Awards for Best Film & Best Supporting Actress
Winner of 2007 Japanese Academy Awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay & Best Supporting Actress
Winner of 2007 Blue Ribbon Awards for Best Film, Best Actress & Best Supporting Actress
Winner of 2007 Kinema Junpo Awards for Best Film & Best Supporting Actress
Hula Girls
Amazon Price: $19.46 (as of 02/23/2012)
"What a great feel-good based-on-reality story! it made me laugh; it made me cry; it made me thoughtful and most of all, proud to be Japanese." Amazon customer H. Bannister
"I can't say it enough, this is a wonderful, gosh-darned, bang-up good film." Top 1000 reviewer Ophella Paige
"Some of the appeal of Hula Girls will probably be lost on Western audiences, especially the performance of Shizuyo Yamazaki as the giant girl Sayuri. Yamazaki, [who] is a famous comedian in Japan, known for her gruff manner and wearing guy's clothes - so seeing her dance around in a hula skirt is especially charming." Top 50 reviewer Zack Davisson
Girls, Go Japanese, Today!
wigs, t shirts, costumes etc. for an instant culture change
# 3: Regai Energy Drink
a butterfly beats a praying mantis using special powers
Of course, the tag is that the butterfly's powers were enhanced by the Regai energy drink.
"This is what I like about Japan - their commercials actually require more than 5 minutes to make, while ours in America are 'Oh, this is cool, it's way better than everything else, buy it now!'" Youtube member 1119king
"[The] guitar solo adds +5 to wind power!!!! " Youtube member FinancialProdigy202
"If I saw a moth do that, I'd panic." Youtube member megaman26389
N.B.: I've also added a commercial for Goma Mugi Cha, a tea that is supposed to lower blood pressure - it's genuinely bizarre!
Pokémon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior
the reverse world
Pokemon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior
Amazon Price: $5.27 (as of 02/23/2012)
"[Pokemon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior] transcends being just another Pokemon movie installment. This is a high quality animation with spectacular visuals and music and it just happens to feature Pokemon." Amazon customer E. David Swan
"I bought this DVD for my son who is 7 and who loves Pokemon...This is the eleventh in the series and he likes it the most - much more than the others." Amazon customer Bill Jirles
"I'm a 41 year old Anime fan and I loved this movie. I have watched it 3 times with my 12 year old son already and we both really loved it. The animation and graphics are awesome. I would recommend this movie for everyone whether you're an anime fan or pokemon fan." Amazon customer Shellie D. Sorenson
“You can find more of my funny video lenses directly below.”
My Other Cool Ads Collections
vote for your favorite if you want to!
1
My Favorite Beer Ads # 1 - 5
Well, why not? They're usually made by the elite o more...1 point
2
My Favorite Beer Ads # 6 - 10
This is the second beer ads page. You can find the more...1 point
3
My Favorite "Interesting" Chinese Ads. 1 - 5
While advertising has come a long way in the Orien more...1 point
4
My Favorite Funny Thai Ads. 1 - 5
I wouldn't be the first to say that Thai people (a more...0 points
Some More Of My Squidoo Pages
we call them lenses here
# 4: Anabuki Real Estate Apartments
little red riding hood - Japanese-style
"[The] poor little girl will be scared for her life!" Youtube member crabheart
"If we had adverts like that in the West I'd watch a lot more telly - that was crazy." Youtube member TheWonderlandWorld
"[When] I saw the raccoon [I] fell off my chair, choking on food." Youtube member bleach444444
Tales From Japan
Oxford myths & legends
Tales from Japan (Oxford Myths and Legends)
Amazon Price: $6.08 (as of 02/23/2012)
"This is a perfect gift for someone [who] is into the culture of Japan. This book was bought for my sister (who studies Japanese culture)and she loved it." Amazon customer C. Russelle
"If you like tales and legends, this is a nice addition. It has all the major Japanese tales like Izanagi and Izanami - their Adam & Eve..." Amazon customer Panda Enthusiast
# 5: Ronald McDonald Gets A Japanese Makeover
so that's what he really looks like!
"How come Japanese people get a hot Ronald McDonald while other people around the world get some scary-ass clown that looks like he's about to rape you every time you order a happy meal " Youtube member nonoary
"Okay that does it. I'm moving to Japan." Youtube member wolfwarp
"Wow...he pulled a burger out of his ass." Youtube member AEMAEMAEMAEM
N.B.: I've also included the girls' McGrand commercial (she's hot!) and the extended version of her commercial, as well.
Japanamerica
how Japanese pop culture has invaded the USA
The Village Voice
"Embrace the world of otaku in Roland Kelts' comprehensive study of how Japanese pop culture enchanted the West, from Speed Racer and Pokémon to cosplay and hentai manga."
Wired
"[Japanamerica] tells the incredible story of the way...Japanese entertainment and popular art...continue to grow and draw two very different worlds together."
Pete Townshend, guitarist & songwriter with 1960s legends, The Who
Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S.
Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 02/23/2012)
"Japanamerica is a journey - in some cases literally - through the world of Japanese Pop Culture in Japan and America, the fused world of "Japanamerica". Mixing visiting historical places and persons, talking to individuals, and speculation, author Roland Kelts asks just why and how Japanese Culture is big in America, and what it may mean.
This is a phenomenally difficult task, quite frankly, and he does a good job of it. " Amazon customer Steven Savage
"This major cultural movement defies casual inspection and this book is an excellent guide for the inquisitive." Amazon customer John E. Vidale
"There is a refreshingly grounded and sensible middle ground in his analysis, a realism that seems to lighten things up and make it all more accessible and welcoming. Perhaps best of all - and this is a miracle in the world of cultural analysis - [author] Kelts is delightfully unpretentious and his prose is as clear and comprehensible as it is filled with fascinating ideas and observations" Amazon customer Jazz fan
Interesting Links About Japanese Print Ads & TV Commercials
1
The Top 15 Japanese Beer Girls
June 2010: Japan's major breweries annually select more...0 points
2
The Top 10 Most Insane Japanese Ads Starring American Celebrities
U.S. celebrities selling their souls to Japanese A more...0 points
3
Vintage Japanese Cigarette & Alcohol Print Ads
A collection of several Japanese cigarette & a more...0 points
4
Vintage Japanese Print Ads For Psychiatric Drugs
The Japanese Gallery of Psychiatric Art 1956 - 200 more...0 points
Three Commercials Made For Japanese TV Featuring Guitarist Adrian Belew
N.B.: Part 1 includes an interview with Belew about the making of the commercials.
- Adrian Belew's ads for the Japanese Daikin corporation # 1
- Belew's guitar sounding like a rooster, a cat & an elephant
- Adrian Belew's ads for the Japanese Daikin corporation # 2
- Belew's guitar sounding like a monkey & a seagull
- Adrian Belew's ads for the Japanese Daikin corporation # 3
- Belew's guitar sounding like an orchestra
Squidoo Members: Show This Lens Some Love
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Tell Me What You Think Of These Japanese Ads
it's what the guestbook is for
Do tell me if any of the videos are no longer active.
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Tahamtan
Dec 26, 2010 @ 2:44 am | delete
- Very interesting ads. Innovative lense.
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chemknitsblog
Nov 9, 2010 @ 5:51 am | delete
- That pretzel ad is crazy! Crazy amusing that is. I really enjoyed the choreographed dance routine that included flipping up the back of your skirt
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the777group
Nov 9, 2010 @ 6:09 am | delete
- I haven't looked at pretzels in the same way since seeing that commercial - there's a curious longing, now. Hmmm!
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GetSillyProductions Sep 18, 2010 @ 4:41 pm | delete
- I <3 the Japanese, they're so crazy!
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the777group
Sep 18, 2010 @ 5:40 pm | delete
- Yeah, these Japanese commercials are like an upbeat Disney-fied version of their society, though - one which is going through major changes, right now.
Previously, the Japanese been able to shift allegiance to the feudal lord / emperor - to allegiance to the corporation and thereby a guaranteed a job for life.
That is no longer the case and Japanese culture - and its ads - may well reflect that change in the coming years.
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Boys, Go Japanese, Today!
for the samurai in you
What Blogs Around the World Are Saying About Japanese Ads
- Japanese Ad Spend Down 2.3% Last Year
- According to this report, the nation's advertising expenditures in 2011 totaled 5709.6 billion yen, a decrease of 2.3% compared with the previous year. Japanese advertising expenditures rebounded in 2004 after a three-year decline, due to a recovery in ...
- Dentsu: Advertising Expenditures in Japan Totaled 5709.6 Billion Yen in 2011 ...
- According to this report, the nation's advertising expenditures in 2011 totaled 5709.6 billion yen, a decrease of 2.3% compared with the previous year. Japanese advertising expenditures rebounded in 2004 after a three-year decline, due to a recovery in ...
- Octagon, but no fighters, in Japanese ad for UFC 144
- Even when they break from the fight-highlight-norm-with-voiceover-and-music, like with the UFC 129 commercial featuring Georges St. Pierre and Jake Shields, the advertising still revolves around the fighters. With the ad airing in Japan before this ...
- Impressive Sony handheld poorly promoted
- The system impresses in nearly every regard, but will its strengths be enough to overcome its high price tag and lack of advertising in America? The Vita debuted in Japan last December to underwhelming sales figures. In recent weeks, the PSP has ...
by the777group
Hi, I'm Andrew Goulding a ghost writer by trade and a goofball by nature. You can find out lots about me via my Get Follow Me Buttons
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A Year in Japan
by Kate T. Williamson
A Year in Japan
Amazon Price: $11.32 (as of 02/22/2012)
"Aiming at a country's soul, not its sites:
This witty, finely observed book is reflective about Japan and travel in ways that traditional guidebooks are not. With beautiful drawings and carefully chosen text, it provides insight into a culture that outsiders often find difficult to penetrate."
Amazon reviewer Rachel
"Williamson delves into the intricacies of everyday life and presents an eye-catching tour through the heart of Japan. A place where karaoke is taken seriously, tofu is sold from wooden carts pushed by elderly men and the people believe that a rabbit on [the] moon pounds rice into mochi."
Amazon reviewer Dorkys Ramos
"The author / artist picks out the simple things:
plastic wrapped bananas
elegant taxis
the glittery old ladies
a cherry tree blossom
that you see every day here and turns them into something beautiful, which, if you live here, you relate to instantly. She doesn't need tons of words for this - it's a visual diary. When I turned each page of it, I was like:
'Yes!'
'That's true!'
'Exactly.'
'I've seen that!'.
It's a simple, pretty, perfect little memento of Japan"
Amazon reviewer KellyG
Japanland: A Year in Search of Wa
by Karin MMuller
Japanland: A Year in Search of Wa
Amazon Price: $0.07 (as of 02/22/2012)
"Karin Muller, at age 34, wanted to improve her Judo and get a fresh perspective on the meaning of life. Most of her Judo instructors, who seem to glow with an almost ethereal calm and inner strength, made it clear she needed to understand the philosophy behind Judo to master the sport.
To better understand the transcendent state of harmony, of flow, of being in the zone called "Wa" Karin learned to speak Japanese and spent twelve months traveling in Japan.
Her memoir, "Japanland: A Year in Search of Wa" is a brave and passionate attempt, as a westerner, to immerse herself in...Japanese culture."
Amazon reviewer Niki Collins
"How many regular visitors or even people living in Japan get to do apprenticeship in sword making? This book gives you the rare peak in to the little known things in the society."
Amazon reviewer kaze
"I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know more about Japan or wants to visit Japan - not only would it make a great tourist guide, it also would tell you how to act (or how NOT to act) in any given situation so as to not insult the natives."
Amazon reviewer LFrog1386
