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imomusI like the anti-smoking poster campaign currently being run on JR trains in Japan. It's a pretty virulent and imaginative attack on the insensitivity of smokers towards the people around them.
But why does the Health Authority financing the campaign sign off with the slogan 'Meet your delight'? Hang on, this is not an anti-smoking campaign. It's an advertising campaign paid for by Japan Tobacco. I can only assume it's a desperate attempt by the Japanese tobacco industry to demonstrate responsibility and make the case for self-regulation. Except that if you look at what the ads are saying, it's all about proposing a new etiquette of smoking in which it's up to the individual smoker to regulate himself.
I suppose, given the choice between doing the honourable thing -- committing seppuku -- and letting the customer die on their behalf, Japan Tobacco is opting for the customer's death. As long as he realizes that it's up to him to clear up his entrails afterwards in a responsible manner.
But why does the Health Authority financing the campaign sign off with the slogan 'Meet your delight'? Hang on, this is not an anti-smoking campaign. It's an advertising campaign paid for by Japan Tobacco. I can only assume it's a desperate attempt by the Japanese tobacco industry to demonstrate responsibility and make the case for self-regulation. Except that if you look at what the ads are saying, it's all about proposing a new etiquette of smoking in which it's up to the individual smoker to regulate himself.
I suppose, given the choice between doing the honourable thing -- committing seppuku -- and letting the customer die on their behalf, Japan Tobacco is opting for the customer's death. As long as he realizes that it's up to him to clear up his entrails afterwards in a responsible manner.
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(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-15 12:02 am (UTC)This one is weird, not just because of the idea that smaller litter is more litter, but because of the argument that we should stop smoking because it hurts a cigarette's feelings to be smoked then thrown away. (And is the stick man really having sex with the cigarette, or does it just look like it?)
By the way, follow-up debate about these ads has been going on at Jean Snow's blog:
http://jeansnow.net/2004/08/12/jt-and-the-dangers-of-smoking/#comments
(no subject)
Date: 2004-11-09 02:19 am (UTC)"The lonely cowboy flicks his cigarette butt into the street. But he lives in an old movie."
I was wondering if you had an image of this anymore, or if possible if you could get a clear picture of one -- I know that's a big favor to ask, esp. if you're not in Japan anymore (then it's impossible) -- but I would really appreciate it, as I want to make a Tshirt out of it.
Thanks a bunch in advance!
(no subject)
Date: 2006-08-16 07:10 am (UTC)In Harajuku.
Sorry, they're not well-taken photos. The signs were printed on glass and the photo was taken around dusk. Click on the pics for an enlargement.