Publicis has retained the creative assignments for both accounts.
It is understood that both companies left Hakuhodo in search of the personal attention they believed a smaller shop could offer.
The benefits of Western media disciplines in devising media programmes that go beyond the mainstays of television and print to incorporate out-of-home media also encouraged the move to Zenith.
"Japan's recession has made all advertisers more interested in maximising media budgets; there is increasing interest in a Western approach to media planning," said division director Naoya Norisugi.
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum here.
