Dentsu is on the short-list in the mobile advertising category at the 2007 Cannes Lions awards with their Comic Shogakukan campaign. According to this article on Adage, Media Lions jury President David Verklin said he was impressed by how much more advanced mobile marketing is outside the U.S., especially in Japan. “We were stunned by the Japanese approach to mobile,” he said.

“Mobile is the next big battleground. The U.S. is really behind on mobile and digital.” He cited several examples. The mobile phone was a control device in a Bronze-winning effort to build awareness for Tokyo shopping district Akarium. Agencies Hakuhodo and 777 Interactive, both Tokyo, designed light boxes along an avenue. As people walked along, they could use their phones to light up the avenue.

We note this i-mode project won a golden lion at Canne way back in 2004.

Related posts:

1. i-mode Site Won Cannes Media Lion
2. Mediba Brings StrikeAd to Japan
3. Year of the Pig Shaping up as Golden
4. Visit Japan Postcard App by AKQA
5. Japan Mobile Shopping Survey

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!