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

Newsletter

We all need a shot of inspiration from time to time. Our newsletter, “5 Stories/50 Seconds” delivers five new phenomena that can be easily digested in under a minute, and help you with your business. To receive our newsletter, fill in your name, company, and corporate e-mail below and click “send”. For more immediate updates on what’s happening in Tokyo please follow us on Twitter.

Your Name (required)

Your Company (required)

Your Email (required - kindly supply your corporate email address)

Consumer Shifts

Working to \

Working to

Urban Chinese women in their late teens and early 20s look set to become the the most ambitious demographic over the coming decade.

More..»

Beauty & Wellness, Consumer Shifts

The Real World Gym

The Real World Gym

Working out to look good isn’t enough for Japanese women, who are starting to set ambitious personal goals and making lifestyle-altering choices.

More..»

Beauty & Wellness, Consumer Shifts

Update: Services for Multi Males

Update: Services for Multi Males

More and more businesses are responding to shifts in male consumer behavior, offering products and services for men that were once only for women.

More..»

Beauty & Wellness, Consumer Shifts, FMCG

Crisis Busters: Korean Cosmetics

Crisis Busters: Korean Cosmetics

Japanese women have been flying to Seoul and bulk-buying cosmetics. But with a less favorable exchange rate, how can South Koreans keep selling?

More..»

Beauty & Wellness, Consumer Shifts, FMCG, Innovation

Watch This Space

Watch This Space

Fashion dilemmas aside, face masks present a clear white space to utilize creatively.

More..»

Consumer Shifts

The Tie Loosens at Japan Inc.

The Tie Loosens at Japan Inc.

A generational-shift toward informality will require companies to rethink how they communicate with employees.

More..»

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.

More..»

Beauty & Wellness

Premium Hair Care

Premium Hair Care

Can’t justify taking an expensive Golden Week vacation? How about a luxury hair-wash instead?

More..»