Room For One More?

Despite my disappointment with the innovation of Japanese advertising, one thing I can say is that they use their space well. When people first think of Tokyo, they usually visualise streets packed full of bright signs lining the tall buildings from ground to sky. It`s pretty overwhelming- unsure where to look while not even understanding a single sign! But all in all, looking down the narrow streets at the crammed in lit signs- it`s pretty amazing.

Although they certainly use the space available, from an advertising and marketing perspective, is this really effective? Like I said, I didn`t know where to look! and I couldn`t possibly say any worked better than others as they really do blend together. But as a whole, it works. It`s what people think of when someone says Tokyo, even if they`ve never been, so in a way, it`s bringing custom from around the world!
Viewing Tokyo in person also makes you realise just how much advertising surrounds it. These brightly lit streets of Tokyo at night aren`t the only mediums used to sell and attract custom. There are the obvious flyers being handed out, and the not so expected Japanese workers shouting over each other the offers they have on, and of course the huge TVs playing a constant roll of advertisements 24-7. But unexpectedly were the vans that drove by advertising a wide variety of different things, often with huge TV screens on the side of them, blasting music out. Although they seem like a pretty desperate advertising ploy, they certainly attracted attention from the hustle and bustle roaming the streets, which is a large achievement really considering all the other distractions on offer!

And it`s not just the main Tokyo streets that are jammed packed full of advertising. The Metro carriages are full, from ceiling hung ads, window stickers and wall posters, to mini TV screens and tiny ones on the handle supports. The Japanese certainly take full advantage of their advertising space!