Blog #2: Advertisement

by Asami

When I was doing task on unit 1(About advertisement), my memory of Hong Kong’s advertisement flashed across my mind. There is a big difference between Hong Kong and Japanese…and it was interesting! So I would like to write about difference, and introducing Hong Kong’s interesting and colorful commercials.

(1)  Global or local

When you got on the train, you can see many kinds of advertisement on the train’s wall or station’s signboard – and sometimes there is an announcement of university’s information. For example, Gakushuin is advertised at mejiro-station. (See below).

 

But in Hong Kong, there is an advertisement of…”Cambridge”, “Ottawa”, or “Tokyo-temple university”! The advertisement contains details (i.e. exam date, guidelines for applicants…) Of cause there is a notice of Hong Kong’s university, but many famous university in the world, are posting on Hong Kong train’s wall.

 (If you want to see an advertisement of Cambridge university, check it!)

Why this difference occurred? I know the reason. When both advertisers think about the customers, Japanese advertiser thought that there is no customer to see “global” advertisement. “Local” commercial is more profitable than it. However, many people, whose came from different nations, are living Hong Kong. So targets of Hong Kong’s advertisement are international people.

(2)  Details

Firstly, please check this commercial slogan which is exist in Hong Kong.

没有共产堂才有新中国

This slogan says: “New-China will be born when the Communist Party is ruined.” I think Japanese reader will be surprise about this catch phrase because it is too violent word in public. (Maybe it will be regulated by law). But this kinds of advertisement is usual in Hong Kong. This culture is come from China, like they say things distinctly.

(3)  Language or stylish

 

There are many different languages on Hong Kong’s commercial. Also Japanese commercial has English, but it is not for understanding means of advertisement by English. It is used for making advertisement as stylish. Nevermore, Hong Kong advertisement is made for understanding by independent (mother) language. In my opinion, Japanese commercial is more stylish than Hong Kong so it catches my eye. However if I’m not Japanese, then I want to understand what the advertisement say is.

In my conclusion, both advertisements have lots of pros and cons, and this time I will not say which one is better or not. Both advertisement characteristics attract both countries’ customers.

Do you want to check the global advertisement in Japan?