JAPcAN't

I came to the realization today of how effective advertisements are, sometimes.

I drank my first soda, Dr. Pepper to be exact, in literally what feels like eternity. After consuming the liquid satan, I was puzzled as to what compelled me to drink it in the first place. I don't even like soda! I recall being intrigued by the refreshing look of the dripping condensation on the sides of the bottle while watching a commercial during Jeopardy the other day. This made me feel weak. The feeling of succumbing to the crafty minds behind Dr. Pepper, bastards. 

However, I must say, I love watching commercials. I am honestly curious as to what industries feel will best market their product. Mostly, I am obsessed with foreign commercials. This past semester we watched a film in Italian Cinema which featured commercials from Italy, it was one of my favorite sections. Watching commercials from another country is like getting a different perspective on their culture. 

A country I feel that always manages to miss the target in terms of advertising, is definitely Japan. For instance:

What the hell were you thinking Japanese McDonalds?!
I understand that you are trying to market your new teriyaki burger, but mixing clips of cut lettuce and sunny-side eggs with what looks to be scenes from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" does not leave a viewer begging to make a trip to the drive-thru. If anything, it makes me want to play a game of Final Fantasy...

ALSO:



Again, Japan. Fail. Just because there are cute children consuming what looks to be oversized flan, does not mean I will be coerced into also obtaining my own Giga Pudding. Also, is that how you came up with this commercial? Your committee of advertisers sat around eating Giga Pudding contriving ways of marketing this blob of lard? And what is with the form of cannibalism going on at the beginning? Oy.


Yet, I still love the Japanese. C'mon, they are the minds behind little gifts such as sushi, anime, and of course, Honda.

On a different note, it's so damn cold outside. Wish it were acceptable to blast this song in my car with the windows down...