Folks who watch Sazae-san will know that at the beginning of each show, Sazae goes round Japan looking at tourist spots. However, many folks dont know that prefectures actually pay the producers of Sazae-san to promote various spots using tax payers money. The amounts are in the region of 8 million (8,000,000 yen) per year. Via at Otona Magic. A typical opening below. Sazae-san is on every Sunday evening on Fuji TV. Many Japanese folks get sad after watching it because it reminds them the next day is Monday.
Its been at least 20 yrs since I've seen sazae-san's op. Brings back alot of memories. Didn't know about the tax thing though.
Wow, learn a new thing everyday! ^-^ I wonder how the people would feel, knowing that their tax would be used in such a manner? And for anime at that... might stir more hate >__>
Hmm, maybe: what they don't know won't hurt them?
I doubt it...Sazae-san is a long running series (started as a comic back in 1946). Every generation in Japan since the War has watched it. So, showcasing your area in the opening scenes is seen as a way to increase recognition and tourism. A little bit of your tax yen, now; increased profits from tourism, later. ^_^
You make a very good point on the return on investment- I suspect it's better than just buying an ad slot. After all, people are more likely to watch the show and what-ever is included in it (even a promotional item) than an in-between ad. I hope that my local tourist bureau has looked into that.
Ah, that makes sense. They'll be exceptions to that rule, I'm sure.. like some who hate coughing up tax in general XD
LOL at being reminded of monday. Speaking of tax, what percentage is the tax for salary/wages in japan?
Is it me or does she look an awful lot like Lucy van Pelt from Penuts? http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-88176438395239_2000_983214745 Snoopy and Charlie Brown touring Japan doesn't sound like a bad idea ^^;
LOL she does!! I wonder if it's purely coincidental...
I wouldn't be surprised if a white beagle makes an appearance every so often.
Waste of tax payers money I say! They should use the money on other things... Like charity or anime or ero goods... Yea...
Was i tripping or was that opening uberly groovy?Oo
Whoa Sazae-san is still running? The opening is pretty awesome... makes me un-depressed. ^^;;
My mother remembers it from when she was a kid in the 1940s and 50s. ^_^
Didn't know about that lol
Anime sure has a lot of uses... I wonder how long it will take for them to come up with an anti-smoking one. The main guy from Blackjack will be doing the main dialogue XD
XD -yea that is true... especially b/c they show off every tourist location. Wonder if Akiba was in Sazae-san...
lol I think this a fine way to spend money as long as most of the important things like health care, education,etc are okay.
