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Earlier this year, we brought you the news that Japan’s wacky anti-piracy ads have turned into something of a cultural phenomenon, with body-popping mascots Camera Otoko and Patrol Lamp Otoko getting their own range of figurines. Now a new ad has been released, which features extra characters Popcorn Otoko and Soda Otoko. But what role do they have to play in this mini crime drama, besides providing delicious refreshment?
In the first part of the ad, Popcorn Otoko and Soda Otoko are the good guys, outraged at Camera Otoko‘s show of blatantly unlawful behavior during the movie they’ve paid good money to see.
Popcorn Otoko is so enraged, in fact, that he quite literally blows his top, showering the surrounding seats with kernels of pure indignation. Not to worry, Patrol Lamp Otoko is here to save the day, i.e. drag Camera Otoko kicking and screaming to the authorities.
Looks like Camera Otoko’s days of piracy are over – he’s facing a maximum fine of 10 million yen and/or up to 10 years in jail.
In part two of the ad, Popcorn Otoko and Soda Otoko take on the role of master-criminals, dabbling in some online piracy from the comfort of their own home.
Surprise! Patrol Lamp Otoko smashes his way in to break up the piracy party.
The new advert was announced by Camera Otoko himself on his official Twitter page, where he thanks his fans for their ongoing support and expresses the hope that the new characters won’t steal too much of his thunder.
Sources: Netlabo, YouTube
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10 Comments
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gaijinfo
I like the one better with that cute girl in the red sweater.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT7ijnOHEDs
KnowBetter
Um... sure, okay, this will work because people doing the piracy will be swayed by cuteness of mascots saying it's bad m'kay. Money well wasted.
davestrousers
I'm grateful for the change as I'm sick and tired of that same ad, its drives me crazy, but none at all would be better. I find it preposterous that having paid to watch a film I have to sit through an ad that threatens me with 10 years in jail for something I've no intention of doing. I manage to avoid committing crimes in a whole bunch of places without having to be threatened with being banged up for 10 years.
sillygirl
A mascot or two. That will do the trick!
smithinjapan
Yes, because this will make a person who's going to commit the crime think twice!
Frungy
... Who goes to cinemas anymore? They're too expensive for teenagers on a date, and they're too widely spread and inconvenient to get to for adults.
By comparison for the same price as two tickets I could just wait a few months and buy the DVD at my nearest convenience store on my way home and my entire family and I could watch it as many times as we like on our wide-screen TV.
... plus after buying the DVD I still have the DVD. After buying a movie ticket I have... a lingering smell of stale popcorn all over my clothes?
nath
Lots of people. I go see a movie every month or two, and if it's a new release, the theater is always packed.
PSandoz
Why not just throw a few copiers in nick? That will quickly stop the financial attraction. As long as there is no actual enforced punishment the crime will continue. BTW Frungy, I went to the cinema yesterday (¥2,100 for two) and watched a lovely minor Spielberg-produced movie starring Helen Mirren — 100ft Journey — which won't make it to your convenience store ever. What a bargain!
Frungy
Tickets where I live in Japan are double that price, and the nearest cinema is a 45 minute drive away.
I doubt the Helen Mirren movie will make it to my "local" cinema either. They run a very limited selection.
But I suppose that's the downside of living in rural Japan.
My point (which most of you seem to have missed) is that not everywhere is Tokyo, and most people in Japan are probably in a similar situation to mine, with cinemas far away, high ticket prices and a limited selection.
wtfjapan
seriously only takes one cam in cinema in Russia and its all over the internet within a week. trying to crack down on cinema piracy is like plugging a dam with hundreds of holes, using only your fingers.