Busy Week

Well the honeymoon is officially over, it's been a really busy week at work and it's only thursday... a couple of highlights stick out.

ONE
Trying to sell dandruff shampoo without saying it's for dandruff. On planet Japan people don't get dandruff or itchy scalps, even if they did, they would rather commit seppuku then admit it. On planet Japan, Head & Shoulders is known as Hair & Skin... I shit you not. It's a grooming regiment for making your hair shiny and healthy by treating your scalp.

Stupid me, I always thought the best way to sell an apple was to call it an apple. Here you have to call it an orange.


TWO
When is an ad not an ad? When you present it to a Japanese client.

I have a client presentation today where we have to present an ad concept... but to make it a little more challenging, we can't present it in an ad LAYOUT.

Why? I asked.
'Client doesn't want it in an ad layout.'

Why not? I asked, with a gentle smile.
'Because if its in an ad layout other departments need to get involved.'

Who will get involved? I asked pleasantly.
'Advertising department... '

So we need to present ad concepts but can't lay it out like an ad? I asked with a large smile.
'Hai'

But all the work has been done and we are being told this at the eleventh hour. I grimaced.
'Hai, client request...'

Ok, this isn't an ad layout, this is a poster layout. I said, gritting my teeth.
'Ahhh so! Hai!'

Are you serious, the client will buy that? I asked, while tears began to well in my eyes.
'Hai'

Welcome to Planet Japan.