tugboat

May 21, 2018

Missed Advertising Week Asia in Tokyo? We've got you covered.

The "role" of a soft drink, the perils of "kissing ass" in creative and the portrayal of Japanese as the "bored-looking people at a party" were among the more interesting takeaways.

Mar 15, 2017

Toyota turns the traditional car ad on its head for Vitz Hybrid

An entertaining short film takes inspiration from breakdown reels of past commercials.

Oct 4, 2016

Long-term Tugboat staffer launches collaborative consultancy

New venture aims to support traditional Japanese businesses.

Jun 14, 2016

Should brands persist in ‘Englishing’ Japanese audiences?

English copy is everywhere in Japanese advertising, much of it bemusing to English-speakers both foreign and Japanese. We ask what purpose it serves—and whether it actually needs to make sense.

May 25, 2016

Success has more than one definition: Tugboat's Oka

TOKYO - Ahead of hosting a workshop at Advertising Week Asia in Tokyo at the end of May, Yasumichi Oka, the founder of Tugboat, told Campaign Japan about his regret at not having a clear heir, and his hopes that more young people will branch out and start independent agencies.

Nov 3, 2015

Lexus augments Tokyo Motor Show presence with "premium" social-media engagement

TOKYO - Auto shows today are about much more than the physical presence of cars and concept vehicles. At the Tokyo Motor Show, Campaign spoke to Lexus International about how it is using the event to build a stronger emotional connection with potential customers.