Shigesato Itoi is an established name in the Japanese cultural scene, but what he is known for may differ depending on who you ask.
To some, the 63-year-old is one of the most acclaimed advertising copywriters, who created an astonishing body of honed and catchy slogans, claims and come-ons during Japan’s upbeat period of high economic growth in the 1970s and ’80s. Others may remember him as a talk-show host or regular guest on prime-time variety shows — while some know him as the designer of Nintendo’s popular computer game, “Mother 2” (titled “Earth Bound” for overseas).
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