Akita the Dog is Taking Over Shibuya to Promote Akita Prefecture

01.September.2018 | SPOT

Akita is the name of a dog (who is also of the dog breed Akita) who has been used to promote tourist information about Akita Prefecture in northern Honshu since 2016. The 4th promotional campaign will be run from September 3 to October 31.

The campaign is being taken to Shibuya in Tokyo. This is an ideal location because not only are there many tourists in Shibuya, but it’s also affiliated with the famous dog Hachiko, who was also an Akita dog born in Akita Prefecture

 

The campaign’s catchphrase “GO! AKITA” has been changed to “Yeah! AKITA” to express Akita the dog’s joyful voice for his hometown as well as to capture traveller’s reactions to visiting the prefecture.

Look out for the big advertising posters of Akita the dog featuring photos posted on his social media that show the beauty of Akita Prefecture such as at Nekobari Iwa and next to a Kashima (above).

 

10,000 free rubbish bags will also be handed out featuring an Akita the dog “Happy HalloWan!” design – with wan being the Japanese equivalent of ‘woof.’ The streets of Shibuya become very messy during Halloween, so Akita will be there to lend a paw!

Akita will be dotted all around Shibuya promoting Akita Prefecture, so be sure to find him everywhere!

 

■Information

Advertising Locations

( 1 ) Keio Inokashira Line trains (body of train and posters hanging inside)

Running: September 3, 2018 – September 30, 2018

( 2 ) JR Shibuya Station – Shibuya Hachiko Cross

Details: A 1.75m x 3.7m sized board will be placed in the northern passageway inside the Hachiko Entrance ticket gates.

Running: September 16, 2018 – September 29, 2018

( 3 ) Shibuya Station, Tokyo Metro (Hanzomon) pillars

Running: September 17, 2018 – September 23, 2018

( 4 ) Omotesando Station, Tokyo Metro pillars

Details: 11 pillars will be used inside the ticket gates of Omotesando Station

Running: September 24, 2018 – September 30, 2018

( 5 ) Happy HalloWan! Rubbish Bags Sampling

Details: To help clean up the streets of Shibuya during Halloween, 10,000 free rubbish bags will be handed out in front of Shibuya Mark City and in two places in front of the Moyai statue.

Available: October 27, October 28 and October 31

 

Website: http://www.akitafan.com/ike-ike-akita/

 

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Popular Illustrator and Character Designer Mika Pikazo Holds Solo Exhibition in Shibuya

    04.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    Mika Pikazo is an illustrator and character designer. The artist has designed characters for many popular titles including Fire Emblem Engage, the latest in Nintendo's Fire Emblem series, as well as book covers and CD jackets.   Starting December 10, the artist will hold his second solo exhibition in three years at the Hz event space in Shibuya.   According to a press release, the exhibition is being held to show a number of creations Pikazo has made recently, and aims to show off new animation and past illustrations to merge his past and future selves. The creator hopes to challenge himself more going forward.   The first main visual, REVENGE, can be seen on the exhibition’s official website. A total of three visuals have been newly drawn for the event and will be released sequentially. In addition, a number of collaborative works with other creators will be on display, so art fans won’t want to miss out.Limited-edition merchandise featuring new illustrations will be on sale at the venue, and autograph sessions are planned to be held. For more details, check the official Twitter page!   Be sure to come to see Mika Pikazo’s colorful pieces in person!
  • 13th BT21 Cafe to Open in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo

    29.October.2022 | FASHION / FOOD / SPOT

    The 13th iteration of the BT21 Cafe will open at six venues in five cities around Japan. Fans in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo will want to visit this exclusive event titled ~MAGICAL TIME~. The first cafe opens in Shibuya on November 3. In celebration of BT21’s 5th anniversary, this special cafe is filled with joy and excitement and aims to give fans the best possible experience.  

    Cafe Menu

    Magical Tea Time Set

    Food Plate

    Food Plate (7 varieties)

    Dessert Plate

    Dessert Plate (7 varieties)

     

    Drinks

    Magical Milk Tea

    Black Tea

    Iced Coffee / Hot Coffee

     

    Original Goods

    Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)

    Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, Random)

    Satin Sticker (7 varieties)

    Clear Folder (2 varieties)

    Handkerchief (7 varieties)

    Tote Bag

    Mug

    Masking Tape / Balloon on a Stick

    Dolomite Coaster (2 varieties) / Mirror (2 varieties)

    [Online Store Exclusive] Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)

      The cafe’s new menu includes afternoon tea, perfect for warming the body and soul during the cold winter months. The colorful food items and desserts are sure to be a hit on social media, and fans will enjoy the Magical Milk Tea and other dishes inspired by the popular BT21 characters. In addition to new merchandise and bonuses featuring newly-drawn art, a photo spot will welcome guests to the cafe and invite them to celebrate this five-year milestone.  Why not take a break from everyday life to enjoy a magical time with these cute characters?   ©BT21
  • ANNA’S by Landtmann in Shibuya Scramble Square Now Offering Halloween Sweets

    11.October.2022 | FOOD

    ANNA’S by Landtmann, a cafe located inside +Q Beauty on the 6th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, has begun selling two Halloween cakes! These spooky sweets will be available until October 31, 2022.   Halloween Mont Blanc   Halloween Poison AppleGuests will be able to snag the Halloween Mont Blanc and Halloween Poison Apple cakes, available for ¥580 each including tax. The Mont Blanc is filled with pumpkin custard and Chantilly cream. The Poison Apple is a sweet and sour cake featuring a blend of chocolate mousse covered in red glaze and applesauce with apple pulp.   Which of these two adorable cakes would you like to enjoy this autumn?
  • Home Cooking Themed Yowamushi Pedal LIMIT BREAK Collaboration Cafe to Open in Shibuya

    12.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT

    Fans of Yowamushi Pedal won’t want to miss this special collaboration! Chugai Grace Cafe, located on the seventh floor of Shibuya MODI, will be running the Yowamushi Pedal LIMIT BREAK cafe from September 22 until October 17, 2022.  

    Collaboration Menu

    Sakamichi Onoda and Sangaku Manami's Udon & Onigiri Plate 

     

    Yasutomo Arikita and Kuroda Yukinari's Hamburger & Salad Plate

     

    Hayato Shinkai's Chocolate & Banana Mini Parfait

    Sohoku High School Mango Whipped Cream & Calpis Drink

    Hakone Academy Mint Whipped Cream & Calpis Drink

         

    Goods

    Pin (Random Holographic included, 9 varieties)

    Acrylic Figure Stand (9 varieties)

    Pin, Mini Character Ver. (Random Holographic included, 16 varieties)

    Acrylic Stand (16 varieties)

    Table Plate (9 varieties)

    Shoulder Bag

       

    Menu Order Bonus / Online Preorder Bonus

    Coaster (1st Half): September 22 - October 4, 2022

    Coaster (2nd Half): October 5 - October 17, 2022

      The collaboration cafe focuses on dishes you may find at home, such as udon, onigiri, and even a chocolate banana mini parfait as a dessert. New original goods with exclusive illustrations will also be available for purchase!   ©渡辺航(週刊少年チャンピオン)/弱虫ペダル05製作委員会
  • Kuroko’s Basketball Cafe to Open at Chugai Grace Cafe in Shibuya

    17.August.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION / FOOD

    From August 26 until September 18, Chugai Grace Cafe at Shibuya MODI will hold a special collaboration cafe with the popular series Kuroko’s Basketball!

    Menu at a Glance

    Ryota Kise's French Onion-style Carbonara

    Daiki Aomine's Teriyaki Burger over Rice

    Shintaro Midorima's Lucky Monaka

    Tetsuya Kuroko's Vanilla Shake

    Atsushi Murasakibara's Violet Blueberry Water

     

    Goods

     

    Pin (Cafe ver.)

    Type A (7 varieties)

    Type B (7 varieties)

     

    Mini Acrylic Stand (Cafe ver.)

    Type A (7 varieties)

    Type B (7 varieties)

     

    Nametags (Cafe ver.)

    Type A (7 varieties)

    Type B (7 varieties)

    Mini Bromide (Cafe ver.)

    Type A (7 varieties)

    Type B (7 varieties)

    Holographic Sticker (Cafe ver., 14 varieties)Clear Case (Cafe ver.)

    Menu Order Bonus: 1 Coaster (28 varieties, random)

    Web Order Bonus: 1 Coaster 

    Fans of the series will be able to sample a number of unique dishes inspired by characters from Kuroko’s Basketball. Original goods featuring newly-drawn cafe-inspired illustrations will also be available, and guests will be able to enter a drawing to win a one-of-a-kind tapestry.

    © 藤巻忠俊/集英社・黒子のバスケ製作委員会 ©「黒子のバスケ」アニメ10周年プロジェクト

  • Manga Series ‘Eren the Southpaw’ Hijacks Reebok Harajuku and Shibuya Stores

    25.July.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION / SPOT

    Reebok has appointed a number of popular artists in Japan and abroad to take part in their new campaign titled ‘Life is Not a Spectator Sport -Move, Move!-’ This collaboration started in March 2022. As a part of this collaboration, Reebok is teaming up with the manga series Eren the Southpaw. Kappa’s popular ensemble drama highlights a number of creators, and has a very poignant tagline: “To all those who couldn’t become geniuses.” Reebok’s brand message matches this and is meant to be a manifesto for life, telling people to never give up, act on their own convictions, and find their own path. 

    Reebok Classic Store - Harajuku Interior

    Stickers / Pins

    Original Scene from Eren the Southpaw 

      To commemorate the release of Reebok’s flagship model INSTAPUMP FURY 95 in Sax Blue, a huge piece of window art was redrawn by Kappi. The artist also provided an original manga featuring an entirely new story. Fans can find this at the Reebok Classic Store Harajuku and on the official Reebok Twitter page. The Reebok stores in Harajuku and Shibuya have also been completely taken over by Eren the Southpaw, completely decorated from top to bottom in images from the series.