Photo: YouTube/Let’s Go to the Movies! Executive Committee Official YouTube
entertainment

Japan’s anti-movie piracy ads are back with reboot after six-year break

13 Comments
By SoraNews24

On July 16, a brand new NO MORE Eiga Dorobo (NO MORE Movie theft) ad was unveiled. The video was tweeted by the official NO MORE Eiga Dorobo Camera Man account seven hours ago as of this writing and has already gotten over half a million views there alone.

Even if you’re not totally familiar with the campaign to discourage people from recording, downloading, or uploading theatrical releases, you’ve likely seen these characters in one of the countless Japanese parodies, cosplays, or erotic fan fiction of which they have been the focus.

It all started in 2007 with this public service announcement.

Although, the camcorder-headed mime called “Camera Man” simply served to decorate the rather dry message of fines for copyright infringement, something about his particular popping and locking seemed to strike a chord with moviegoers.

So three follow-up 30-second spots were also created and introduced other characters such as his eternal nemesis Patrol Lamp Man, Tiara (aka the woman), Popcorn Man, and Juice Man (wherein “juice” is a Japanese catchall for any sweet drink including sodas).

▼ Here are all four original ads back-to-back

The constant cat-and-mouse struggle between Camera Man and Patrol Lamp Man captured the imaginations of the Japanese public, but due to their 30-second nature, their conflict never amounted to much and Camera Man was always swiftly apprehended.

It was never really clear if the series actually prevented any movie piracy or not, but the ads were undoubtedly a hit. However, six years ago they came to an abrupt end. Perhaps everything was said that needed to be, or Camera Man’s ego got inflated to the point he was asking for outrages sums to perform, or maybe movie piracy wasn’t as pressing an issue any more.

Overall, people couldn’t be happier at NO MORE Eiga Dorobo’s return.

“I want to go to the movies just to see this!”

“These guys scared the crap out of me when I was a kid.”

“That guy is actually a really good dancer.”

“Did you see Popcorn Man and Juice Man?! Just before the rooftop!”

“They should make a movie about this movie thief.”

“I haven’t been to a movie theater in six years. I wonder if this was why.”

“I want to be Patrol Lamp Man.”

It’s unclear why they chose now of all times to release a new version of the NO MORE Eiga Dorobo saga, considering movie attendance is at an all time low. Maybe it’s an attempt to bring people back into theaters, or maybe it’s simply to lift spirits during these hard times.

Source: Nikkan Sports, My Game News Flash

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

-- Japan’s latest anti-piracy ad features wacky new mascots Popcorn Otoko and Soda Otoko

-- Hugh Jackman speaks Japanese, pulls up next to Mario Kart drivers on the road during Japan visit

-- Japanese Disney fanatic impresses Will Smith with just one interview question

© SoraNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

13 Comments
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Cool to see new ones being made. The same one over and over was getting boring. The age rating marks at the end of the clip reminds me how inappropriate many of the in theater movie previews in kids movies are here. When my kids were younger, some were so scary or waay too adult. Cringe.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

The movie piracy is still a thing?

12 ( +12 / -0 )

"Hello, Japan? 1990 here, we'd like our crime back please."

9 ( +10 / -1 )

 erotic fan fiction of which they have been the focus.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This is great, I love these ads.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

When is the last time anyone actually pirated a film in person using a camcorder?

Pretty much whenever a big movie comes out! Studios have increased security on new releases, and they watermark their content to help trace any leaks. So some bloke with a camera at the back of the theater in Malaysia is usually the only way to see a big movie for free. It can be all over the web within days, and some of the HDcam movies aren't that bad (allegedly, according to a friend etc)

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Who want's to do it in the theater when you can do it from the comfort of your bedroom?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Ironically enough, it seems that the video games sounds in these ads were "borrowed" from Atari 2600 games. Wonder if cops will be chasing down the ad agency for this like they do in the videos?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

These are really irritating. However, since going to the movies is dead for now, I won't miss this ad.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Compared to China or many other countries Japanese used to never download illegal movies. Even now with easy online streaming and VPN, they dont do it...at lease not for regular movies lol

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The concept of copyright infringement is a complete mess of hassle and inconsistency and denial of modern reality. In this modern world of home computers and internet it just seems like a totally losing battle. And then you have corona virus worries keeping people away from theaters.

I always hated seeing these cameraman commercials. They seem rather accusatory to the audience. As if we don't know about the illegality of copyright infringement. But then they tell you about the fines and punishments and for me its just a reminder of how the government is controlled by big business interests and how the welfare of the people take a back seat.

If a movie copyright lasted only as long as a movie was in theaters piracy would probably nose-dive. If movies were made available in all countries at the same time, piracy would probably nose dive. If buying a theater ticket got you a one time streaming home viewing piracy would probably nose dive. But rather than adapt to the modern world businesses induce the government to introduce almighty punishments to try and keep the status quo of the 20th century.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I’m sorry, as stupid as these commercial ads are, I just love them. Crack me up every single time, but it works, that’s why you still have Tower Records in Japan. Not a lot of downloading in this country. During the previews my wife always gives this sly smirk looking at me because I download like a bandit since I’ve been in Japan, movies not music.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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