Branding 101

Kato Koushou Kabushiki Kaisha clearly needs to study up on branding… and cultural sensitivity.

kkk

(Spotted and photographed in Edogawa-ku, Tokyo.)

13 thoughts on “Branding 101”

  1. It’s a funny photo, but why is this culturally insensitive? What cultural baggage do the letters “KKK” carry in Japan?

  2. Made in DNA:
    You should NOT put NSFW links in your profile name! Please be sensitive to the fact that some people access from work.

    “What cultural baggage do the letters “KKK” carry in Japan?”

    I might have to agree here, to a point – it’s kind of crazy as seen by people in the know, but it would take a pretty sophisticated knowledge of US history to have caught this.

    In some cases I say there’s a legitimate issue to be made of the responsible use of English and Western cultural artifacts in Japan (blackface on TV being one of them). Obviously, if the KKK corporation grew to the point that it considered TV commercials, it’d be time for a rebranding. But if it’s what it looks like – a purely local business – then no big deal.

    Of course, this is just some white dude talking…

  3. And what’s up with all of those Nazi symbols on maps!? (warning – not serious)

  4. I don’t think Curzon seriously thinks it’s a big deal-but it’s still pretty funny. On the other hand, if the Japan Foundation (Kokusai Koryu Kikin) went by abbreviation KKK I think we’d have something to discuss for real.

  5. Obviously, if the KKK corporation grew to the point that it considered TV commercials, it’d be time for a rebranding.

    International, especially US-oriented, I would agree. But I don’t think they should be forced to change their initials due to a US race hate group. If they want to, fine. But for Japan-based stuff it should be fine. Hell, the “kinky” district of Japan advertises itself as a major tourist mecca….

  6. I remember seeing a prog years and years ago when they went to Sweden or somewhere and found not only an “Aho” but an “Anna Aho.” I wonder how people would react to her name being called out in public in Japan….?

  7. (Krusty looks at the sign behind him that reads “Krusty Komedy Klassic” or “KKK” for short. “KKK?! That’s not good. Unghhhhh. . .”)

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