Asian Consumer Intellegence
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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Innovation
The App Store model gives Japan’s advertising behemoth Dentsu an idea of how to control mobile media.
More..»Beauty & Wellness, Innovation
Japan is subsidizing “plant factories” that provide stable supplies of high-quality vegetables. The technology isn’t entirely “green”, but do consumers care?
More..»Innovation, Lifestyle Spending, Newsletter
As Japan’s experience in the 1990s shows, prolonged periods of slow economic growth make consumers rethink their spending priorities. They also force businesses to innovate.
More..»Innovation, Newsletter
Japanese consumers were once famous for wanting the newest and best. The recession has changed that for good, forcing retailers to look at the used market as an area for growth.
More..»Innovation
Sanyo have scored a hit with their environmentally-friendly rechargeable battery line, eneloop, which are sold fully charged and can be recharged up to 1,000 times. Recent consumer consciousness of environmental issues, coupled with an expanded product line and successful ad campaign has boosted sales.
More..»Beauty & Wellness
2008 saw the release of a number of popular cosmetics lines targetting women in the 50-60 range. A craze for foods with high collagen content believed to have beautifying effects began in 2007, and in 2008 a number of collagen-based cosmetics went on the market.
More..»Innovation
As analog television goes bunk in the upcoming years, an aging Japan turns to what still stands
More..»Innovation, Lifestyle Spending
Japan’s “Gothic Lolita” fashions, which blend Victorian, punk, and leather fetish and bondage influences, have captured attention around the world and influenced red carpet outfits at the Emmy Awards. However, this is hardly what the majority of young Japanese women are wearing.
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