Sounds Like the Future

Nissan will add noise to its new electric car, the Leaf, to make it sound like cars in the cult movie Blade Runner. The sound makes the cars safer, so pedestrians can hear them coming, but will also act as a powerful marketing too, making the vehicles instantly recognizable, even if they are out of sight. i.e “That sounds like a socially responsible, trend-forward driver!”

[pinktext IDEA POTENTIAL:] Nissan has taken what was a dull safety problem and turned it into a fascinating opportunity to brand the leaf as a futuristic vehicle that will garner interest from anyone it passes. A true lesson in sensory marketing.

Nissan Leaf, due for release in Japan/US/Europe in 2010. http://www.nissan-zeroemission.com

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Consumer Shifts

Communities of Strangers

Communities of Strangers

Some young Japanese are rejecting single-living and opting to share spaces with others, usually strangers, as they search for a sense of community.

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Consumer Shifts, Innovation

Car Sharing in Japan

Car Sharing in Japan

Japanese auto sales are at a record low, falling 22 percent in December compared to the same month the previous year, giving a dark end to 2008, the worst year for car sales in 34 years. Japanese are increasingly urbanizing, with trains and subways being the preferred mode of transport.

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Consumer Shifts, Lifestyle Spending

Shopping Parties Catching on Among Japanese Women

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Modeled on the “Girls’ Night Out” events which originated in the US, shopping parties where women can browse products while enjoying drinks are catching on in Tokyo. The concept brings together three elements: sample products, low prices, and free drinks.

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Beauty & Wellness

Shiseido Global Beauty Consultant Contest

Shiseido Global Beauty Consultant Contest

Japanese cosmetic maker recognizes the world’s top beauty consultants

Shiseido brought together 48 beauty consultants from around Japan and the world for the final stage of this annual contest. These Shiseido employees are the ones who come in direct contact with Shiseido’s customers, making them key members of the corporation.

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Consumer Shifts

How to talk to your employees

How to talk to your employees

The last two years have seen a sudden increase in demand for executive coaching in Japan. The training, which ranges from weekend group seminars to intensive one-on-one sessions, aims to increase overall work productivity by developing leadership and communications skills. One of the main focuses of coaching is teaching managers how to speak to their subordinates in a way that boosts harmony and cooperation in the workplace.

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Consumer Shifts

Monster Parents

Monster Parents

“Monster Parent” a new drama series on Fuji Television premiered yesterday. The story revolves around a female lawyer at a prestigious law firm who is summoned to a public school in the suburbs to help the board of education deal with a “monster parent.”

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