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AC Japan makes new ads with SMAP, others after viewers complain

59 Comments

Members of SMAP and other Japanese celebrities, including soccer players Yuto Nagatomo, Atsuto Uchida and Shinji Okazaki, will appear in a new television commercial from public service announcement production house AC Japan.

Television stations have been running an abundance of AC Japan commercials as businesses have pulled advertising in light of the March 11 tsunami disaster and the ongoing nuclear crisis in Fukushima. However, the public service announcements, which incur no advertising charge, have drawn complaints from the public due to their repetitiveness and jingle.

Only a limited number of different AC Japan commercials are currently running, including one in which actress Akiko Nishina urges women to undergo cancer exams, and former head coach of the Japan national soccer team, Ivica Osim, informs viewers of early heart attack signs. Viewers have complained that the commercials have no connection to the ongoing disaster, are repeated too often, and that the AC Japan jingle at the end of each commercial sounded like an urgent earthquake notice.

AC Japan began muting the jingle after complaints came in.

The new commercial will have a number of versions and was created in part to address viewer complaints.

© Compiled from news reports

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

59 Comments
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You can check AC Japan website to understand its advertisement goals. Diversity and Society-related topics may be audiences' concerns. Business donors may desire to do more for Japan's future.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

People still have time to wait for a show to come on so they can watch it? I thought TV was dead. Gotta love when NHK comes knocking at your door asking for money for their services and you tell them you don't watch TV. They always ask "do you have a TV?" I always respond "no, I have a large video monitor".

Moderator: Why are discussing NHK? Weird, the way you go off topic like that.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

NO MORE AC COMMERCIALS!!!! NOw with SMAP? Geeeezzz!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Maybe they should have commercials with details about where we can make donations and what things they need donated up north, instead of 'doing aisatsu makes you new friends!!'

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I'm sorry but they are idiots. I mean come on, who thought, "Hey let's show a cancer check spot a bazzilion times, that will really calm people down." For years I've had nothing but good things to say about their spots but I'm so sick of them. At the moment when I see one I want to go out and punch someone in the face. And the new spots? Looks like high school kids with no money made them, the quality is poor and the fonts are fuzzy.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"their repetitiveness and jingle"

I hate that AC jingle. It's short, but it's not sweet.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

RobertCB agreed, also what I dont understand is why they show DONATE for africa commercials instead of donate for Japan. Really, who makes the programming should get sacked.

However on the otherhand even though I dislike the fact that they show the AC a bazzillion times, we should consider ourselves lucky we can WATCH these CM as the people in Tohoku area cant even watch tv anymore

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The aisatsu cartoon one really grows on you after a while. Also, all the remixes of it on youtube are great. I'll be sad to see that one go--I'd take that over SMAP or the cancer ad any day.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I see a lot of things to complain about, but TV commercials are not one of them. Can we get our priorities straight please?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Actually the mental health of the people is a huge priority and these commericals are hurting that I feel, but I understand how some people like yourself think crying about people talking about it is having the right priority, thank god for people like you.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Although seen too often, I think they are a good idea in principle. I wonder if they have any affect on the way people act towards each other? I got tired of giving up my seat on trains because it was a one man act. I talk to people who don't follow social norms, rather than wait for them to see the AC reminder tens of times.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

To wajisin, please keep giving up your seat on trains to pregnant women, as someone who is 8.5 months pregnant I can tell you it is very much appreciated, even if it's only you and a few other kind people doing it.

The jingle at the end of the AC ads seems to have been gone for several days now- priorities and all I know, but I think it was driving most people nuts. They also do more of a mix now rather than repeating the same ad several times over and include quake-related messages- worrying about it beyond that is probably going a bit overboard right now though.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yeah, because in times like this everyone is thinking that they have to make time to go for a breast cancer check.

I went to my girlfriends place for a few days last week and watched TV for the first time in a long time and I was annoyed after 10 minutes. Some of them are depressing as hell too.

こだまでしょうか?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I find them depressing.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

i totally agree with thepro. it isn't that hard to put together a message about where and how people can help. just add that "amazing grace" jingle to it and boom, a winner!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I don't understand why they feel the need to fill commercial time with commercials "which incur no advertising charge." There's no financial incentive, and clearly people don't want to see them anymore. They should just fill that time with a live cam of Tokyo or someplace with some background music.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It is a secret ploy to get you to turn off the damn TV! It worked for me. I quit watching TV after a couple days of AC.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"I wonder if they have any affect on the way people act towards each other?"

I doubt it. In normal times the spots aren't even noticed. I've actually talked about the spot with friends in the past, commenting how I thought they were great and nobody even knew them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Honestly, I like AC Japan for different things. Even It does not mention about quake and tsunami donation. It is a psycho effect on TV watchers. That is a point. When I read all your comments, I can see 99% leaving frustration and outrage. Why? You have received AC Japan messages. AC Japan people know what they are doing .. simple advertisement without digital effects or computer aid software or endorsement of big stars ... that is a way it does business.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

AC Japan people know what they are doing .. simple advertisement without digital effects or computer aid software or endorsement of big stars ... that is a way it does business.

Have you read the article?

Members of SMAP and other Japanese celebrities, including soccer players Yuto Nagatomo, Atsuto Uchida and Shinji Okazaki, will appear in a new television commercial from public service announcement production house AC Japan.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Why? Because it's not normal. If the government wants people to remain calm the best way to do that is to give us some normalcy and showing a cervical cancer test spot 5 times in a row doesn't accomplish that.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Just saw the ad with SMAP in it- luckily they aren't singing.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

They sing?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

yes in a time of disaster, we need more complaints about commercials with a message of getting health checks and giving up your seat n a train. very depressing!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

At least they stop with the long AAAAAAAAA CCCCCCC at the end of the damn thing.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"yes in a time of disaster, we need more complaints about commercials with a message of getting health checks and giving up your seat n a train. very depressing!"

Well I'll tell you what my kids need, some normalcy. In fact thats what children experts say as well. Keep missing the point.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

pleeease,,,,,no one is forcing you to sit and watch your tv all day,,,,get outside, sunshine, some trees ready for spring,,,,its nice outside! if you have kids, you can play with them outside, if you must watch tv, you do have a remote that has a mute button, a button to change channels,,,, stop complaining and do something

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I'm not talking about watching TV 24/7, we do spent a lot of time outdoors and my kids practise for the their soccer team every Saturday and Sunday. That doesn't mean that I don't want them to be able to watch their 2 favorite TV shows that they look forward to every week. I'm talking about balance which was lacking on TV for a week after the quake.

But yeah, we've turned the TV off for the most part at our home and only check it for updates when the kids are out playing.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Psychic driving followed by subliminal messaging. Basically - 1) Be very afraid. 2) Everything will be ok as long as you do as you are told.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Frankly, I think everyone needs as much normalcy as they can get right now, not just kids. Including people closely affected by the disaster. Amid the loss, sadness, and fear, people need to be able to escape and remember it wasn't always like this, nor will it always be. I'd love some commercials for instant ramen, even if I can't buy it at the store right now.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

My son didn't get too faced by the quakes. Went to school as normal, played with friends afterwards and now has a friend over. Said that he never watched much TV, now if i could remove the implanred PSP. :p

Bit agree normalcy is important for kids.

As for the AC ads, yeah, they got annoying fast. Glad they dropped the AaaaCeee at the end.

There are 2 recent AC commercials that I like though, seen the SMAP CM and it is ok.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I'd rather have the jingles than SMAP.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

While the "AC" jingle might get old... thos Public Service Announcements are of great service to the community!! Who here riding a train HASNT watched as perfectly able-bodied men will avert their eyes and otherwise IGNORE a pregnant lady on the train while she stands unable to find a seat? What about people riding bicycles at speed down crowded sidewalks with no regard for pedestrians?

I think viewers are complaining because the AC spots hit a nerve. The repetitiveness serves to drive the message home.

There are spots in Japan where people do treat each other with great courtesy and respect... but in the city... you take your chances. They NEED this. They should have a few more about washing your hands after finishing in the restroom, or perhaps about NOT coughing or sneezing without covering ones mouth?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I think viewers are complaining because the AC spots hit a nerve. The repetitiveness serves to drive the message home.

I think viewers are complaining because the AC spots are annoying as hell!!! People don't want to see the same couple of adverts, sometimes played back-to-back during EVERY commercial break for days and weeks on end.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

They make me laugh as they are so ridiculous looking its funny... I gotta hand it to them for capturing little girl hearts since 1988. I think a few of them have actually been arrested while drinking...one was caught butt naked.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ohayousagi! I might go to Ovarian cancer screening clinics to see if there are hot mothers and daughters like they have in the ads.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

While the "AC" jingle might get old... thos Public Service Announcements are of great service to the community!!

Not when they play them over and over and over and back to back. I'm being sarcastic here for a minute, but I got so tired of those commercials that I felt like kicking an old lady down the stairs rather then help her to the top.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

NeoJamal, it's Ohayo-unagi and Arigato-usagi, get it straight! I guess they haven't played these commercial enough yet after all!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Thanks Airion, now I can't get the damn song out of my head! popopo~n! LOL!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What's the problen here? If people don't like these adverts, they can simply turn the TV off. BTW, I admit that I was not given this advice by an expert. It's basic common sense!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Who here riding a train HASNT watched as perfectly able-bodied men will avert their eyes and otherwise IGNORE a pregnant lady on the train while she stands unable to find a seat?

And who here has noticed any change whatsoever since the ad was broadcast four times every commercial break? Not me. Still spread-legged oyajis making a seat for seven passengers into a seat for five on the Chiyoda line this morning.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

1) Scrap the public service announcements

2) Make the TV companies reduce the advertising costs by 50% to attract the companies back

3) Send all money received to NE Japan immediately

TV companies wont lose any money because they aren't getting any from the public service announcements anyway.

The NE would benefit immensely.

This should have been done 2 weeks ago. 2 weeks worth of advertising revenue that could have financed relief efforts has been lost.
-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Hmmn.... from the posts here, looks like normalcy has returned.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Thank christ! I was ready to cut off my ears! Instead of these lame-ass, uninspiring pieces of annoyance, why can't these time slots be used more constructively to show to the relatives of those who are stuck in gymnasiums that they are alive and well! I got the AC commercial after the 500th airing! Use your heads!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I mean one on one quickie interviews stating name and family members. How they are coping. If they need anything etc.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If SMAP can't save us, nothing can! Japan's very moral fiber relies on the polished down-home all-round talent of these pretty boys (and the Dentsu propagandists that keep them fed and polished). Maybe SMAP can inspire the J-flock to offer their train seat for an old man with a cane. Nobody did for the poor old soul I saw today on the Yamanote. The previous AC adds are not working.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

All the AC ads after the quake and subsequent fallout were indeed creepy. Gave the impression that the studio had been abandoned and that they were just running an ad loop.

AC ads in and of themselves have gotten creepy in recent years and are quite politically charged, but still quite subtle if you compare them to the AC ads run in the US. The one with Wanda Sykes chiding a few teenage kids for using the word "gay" inappropriately takes the cake.

Although I didn't see this particular one anymore after the quake and soon departed Japan, there was one about domestic violence that kind of got me thinking. A woman is sitting down, obviously troubled by something, with a lot of bubbles with words floating up around her, with descriptions of acts that are considered DV. Two of the bubbles really caught my attention, one saying "He ignores me", the other "He doesn't give me money to live on".

Now, I'm certainly no supporter of domestic violence, but I have a big problem with accepting that ignoring someone be considered DV. For a couple that constantly bickers, ignoring each other might be the easiest way to co-exist until they decide what they want to do going forward. I've seen many cases where the wife completely ignores the husband as well...is this also to be considered DV against him?

Also, it's quite normal for the wife in Japan to withhold money from the husband, and dole it out to him as she sees fit. Is this also to be considered DV against him? If the couple has come to the conclusion that they don't have a future together, and the husband is the sole breadwinner, would he want to continue allowing the wife to control the purse strings so that she can squirrel more and more money away before the inevitable divorce? Will looking cross-eyed at your partner become the next recognized act of DV?

Most of the AC ads seem fairly innocuous with ideas such as "love your children", which everyone should understand and do anyway. Seems like in recent years they have been slipping the social engineering messages in to see if people notice. I've often wondered what the funding source behind the AC is, and now that these ads are running back to back I wonder even more.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I just saw the SMAP add. Actually, it is not bad (surprisingly, I admit). It seems like there are only 4 AC commercials up to now.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

konnichiwan, arigatousagi, itadakimouse, sayonaraion, come on, this commercial is priceless.

ffs, SMAP??? please, no!!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I like the AC commercials. Yeah, you see them quite often on TV, but they have an important message.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

One thing we may recognize ... AC Japan has targeted Japanese audience, but here most negative comments came from Foreigners who live in or visit Japan

0 ( +0 / -0 )

asuantourist; Yeah,but i bet nearly all those who complained were Japanese. And your point is?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

stevecpfc, you made a point yourself ...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"One thing we may recognize ... AC Japan has targeted Japanese audience, but here most negative comments came from Foreigners who live in or visit Japan"

I would guess that's because most people here are Foriegners, just a guess. Everybody I know hates the commercials here but they don't speak English.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

does anyone like commercials anyways?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

People will always find something to complain about, especially on JT!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I didn't think they were so bad. I was back for a week and yes, saw them a million times but I thought they were all OK except the cartoon one with the song and the cartoon friends dancing. Couldn't work that one out. Although it is now my ringtone.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

asianTourist: "One thing we may recognize ... AC Japan has targeted Japanese audience, but here most negative comments came from Foreigners who live in or visit Japan"

On this English news site, yes. How about the people who phoned in to complain -- which is what this thread is about? Did you call AC to see what the ratio of Japanese to foreigner is in regard to the complaints? My guess: you most certainly did not.

bicultural: "People will always find something to complain about, especially on JT!"

So you have no problem with the AC adds being played over and over and over and over and over? Anyway, same as was mentioned to asianTourist -- the complaints made by viewers were probably all Japanese. So yeah, I guess people do indeed find something to complain about. Yours here is subtle, but no less a complaint.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Switch off or change channels or mute the volume during commercials or advertisements. that's what I do.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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