National Apr 15, 2021
Backlash hits mascot designed to sell Fukushima water release
"If (the government) thinks it can get the general public to understand just by creating a cute character, it is making a mockery of risk communication," one critic tweeted.
Business Apr 14, 2021
The fact-finding investigation is part of a series of FTC surveys on digital markets including for online shopping, app retailing and advertising.
National / Social Issues Mar 24, 2021
Ad saying gender equality is 'outdated' sparks outrage in Japan
The online advertisement for an evening news program featuring a woman playfully criticizing the debate over gender equality was criticized as being sexist.
National Mar 18, 2021
Tokyo 2020 creative chief quits over Naomi Watanabe 'Olympig' pitch
by Ryusei Takahashi
Hiroshi Sasaki floated the idea of comedian Naomi Watanabe descending from the sky in porcine form during the opening ceremony, a magazine reports.
Business / Tech | FOCUS Feb 16, 2021
Advertisers on U.S. TikTok flock back as Trump's threats recede
by Sheila Dang
Accused by the Trump administration of being a front for the Chinese government, TikTok's ad business looked bleak last July. Big brands backed off on spending even as TikTok executives offered refunds to advertisers in the event the hot social media platform were to be ...
Business / Corporate Feb 16, 2021
Ad giant Dentsu sees record net loss as revenue falls amid pandemic
The annual loss almost doubled from ¥80.89 billion in fiscal 2019 after Dentsu had to record an impairment loss related to its overseas business.
National Feb 13, 2021
Mori's resignation was inevitable, volunteers and sponsors say
"A successor should be an open-minded person with leadership qualities," said Shinji Tsubokura, a 57-year-old man who quit as a torchbearer in protest against Mori's sexist remarks.
Asia Pacific Feb 12, 2021
Life without Google: Australia is now facing the unthinkable
by Angus Whitley and Georgina Mckay
Potential fallout from a spat goes far beyond Australia for Google, whose dominance of global advertising has made it a target for watchdogs worldwide.
National Feb 10, 2021
Toyota president 'disappointed' by Tokyo 2020 chief Mori's sexist comments
The carmaker, a worldwide Olympic sponsor, said it issued Toyoda's message on Wednesday because it concluded it should not keep silent.
National Feb 9, 2021
Tokyo Games sponsors speak up as Mori fallout continues
by Ryusei Takahashi
During a meeting with Olympic organizers Monday evening, several sponsors said advertising at the games could do more harm than good.
Business / Corporate Jan 31, 2021
No Plan B: Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics
by Maki Shiraki, Makiko Yamazaki, Eimi Yamamitsu and Ju-min Park
Sponsors also worry that organizers have not told them what contingency plans there are in case the pandemic derails the games again this year.