Schoolgirl Singers Promoting Kinect In Japan

kotaku

In Japan, schoolgirls are often the default characters for product pitchmen. They pop up in sports drink ads, life insurance ads, bicycle ads — you name it.

One of the main reasons for this is that their youthful image is healthy, happy and spirited, but they are also able to appeal to a cross segment of Japanese society. Microsoft is hoping to tap that with its Kinect campaign in Japan.

Starting today, idols Jurina Matsui and Rena Matsui from pop group SKE48 will be appearing in television ads for Kinect.

SKE48 is the Nagoya version of idol troupe AKB48 and performs in Sunshine Sakae. The group is produced by Japanese pop impresario Yasushi Akimoto, who also produces AKB48. (Besides recording their own songs, members of SKE48 do appear on AKB48 singles like Ponytail to Shushu, etc.)

The 13-year-old Jurina (What?! O_o) and the 19-year-old Rena will also make up a special spin-off unit called, wait for it, "Kinect" and will even be performing a song called "Two Roses". The tune will be included in the upcoming SKE48 single "1, 2, 3, 4 Yoroshiku". That tune will be used in the television ads for the Xbox 360 motion control system. This isn't Xbox Japan's first attempt to rope in idols to promote its wares. In 2006, the company roped in boy band Tokio for its Do! Do! Do! campaign. The campaign did not make much of an impact on Xbox 360 sales. Then again, Tokio is comprised of 30-something-year-old men. SKE48 is not.

What the hell 13 years old?! They both look so mature and tall!

There's something ever so slightly uncomfortable about all this...

*Note to self: Never go to Japan for jailbait reasons*

Love or hate Microsoft, you have to give them credit: They know how to sell. Even if Kinect is completely garbage (which, imo, it looks to be) this thing is going to sell really well.

*Note to self: Never go to Japan for jailbait reasons*

Love or hate Microsoft, you have to give them credit: They know how to sell. Even if Kinect is completely garbage (which, imo, it looks to be) this thing is going to sell really well.

she cant be 13, Kinect made her taller?!

Singing school girls? For a min there I thought this was going to be a Justin beaver topic lol who ms is also using to advertise kinectriver_rat3117

[QUOTE="river_rat3117"]Singing school girls? For a min there I thought this was going to be a Justin beaver topic lol who ms is also using to advertise kinectiMojo786_PSN

In Japan, schoolgirls are often the default characters for product pitchmen. They pop up in sports drink ads, life insurance ads, bicycle ads — you name it.

One of the main reasons for this is that their youthful image is healthy, happy and spirited, but they are also able to appeal to a cross segment of Japanese society.

TheShadowLord07

This is true. Did you know the octopus is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge in japan and this is why they love watching cartoons where school girls are raped by tentacles, it symbolizes the youth of their country coming into their own and becoming responsible adults.

jk, they are pedophiles.

[QUOTE="TheShadowLord07"]

In Japan, schoolgirls are often the default characters for product pitchmen. They pop up in sports drink ads, life insurance ads, bicycle ads - you name it.

One of the main reasons for this is that their youthful image is healthy, happy and spirited, but they are also able to appeal to a cross segment of Japanese society.

This is true. Did you know the octopus is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge in japan and this is why they love watching cartoons where school girls are raped by tentacles, it symbolizes the youth of their country coming into their own and becoming responsible adults.

jk, they are pedophiles.

So how long before the Justin Bieber ads?

It all make sense now with that Japanese sexual school girl game.

[QUOTE="markinthedark"]

[QUOTE="TheShadowLord07"]

In Japan, schoolgirls are often the default characters for product pitchmen. They pop up in sports drink ads, life insurance ads, bicycle ads - you name it.

One of the main reasons for this is that their youthful image is healthy, happy and spirited, but they are also able to appeal to a cross segment of Japanese society.

Javy03

This is true. Did you know the octopus is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge in japan and this is why they love watching cartoons where school girls are raped by tentacles, it symbolizes the youth of their country coming into their own and becoming responsible adults.

jk, they are pedophiles.

It takes student and teacher relations to a whole new level.LOL

I see no problem with this actually. Considering a lot of the ads I have seen over here involve 6-9 year olds advertising. As has been stated before the youth are seen as healthy, happy and spirited which in turn makes them an excellent tool for advertising.