To Sell a Ractis

I know what you are thinking: The first thing you would do if you were trying to market the  Toyota Ractis would be to change its name.

But anyway, that aside, I am sure that you would not have thought of setting up the world’s larges Claw Crane machine (yes, that’s right, “The Claw” from Toy Story) in the middle of downtown Tokyo.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHBumCGTrKU

Viral promotion for a car in the west means a Youtube video of some crazy stunts or wild behavior. In Japan, all you need is a crane, some giant stuffed animals and a cute family. I have to say, though, that the snail-like progress of the grabbing arm tends to drain any sense of excitement – and that is despite the usual high-pitched female commentary on the action. See more pictures at Gizmodo’s Japanese site.

Sorry, I guess I don’t get that about Japanese culture. If you want me get me with a viral promotion for a car, you had better hire Ken Block.