So small, so lightweight, so useful, and such a great marketing/advertising tool! Ah yes, the tissue packet has more uses then for just blowing your nose and wiping your personal areas in Japan.
In larger cities (usually very close to train stations) you can find a small group of people standing around handing out packets of tissues. This small packet contains a little flyer that is on top with an advertisements varying from adult bookshops, English schools, mobile companies, and more.
These people handing out the packets have one job. They are told which specific demographic to hand the packet to. Say the advertisement is for a women’s spa, generally the target demographic would be women (obviously) ranging from ages of 20+. So thats who they would hand the packets too.
While I was living there I really needed a tissue. I walked past the group of “Givers” and they handed me nothing. So I walked back and walked through the group again. Again, nothing. Finally I had to ask a girl if I could have a pack, because I really had a lot of hana mizu (nose water) dipping from my nose. I thanked her, looked at the ad and read the advertisement for a Men’s Host Pub (thats where women pay for the company of a nice beautiful man, enjoy drinks, and talk about “things”). So I guess I wasn’t the target they wanted to reach…
I feel there is a reason though why it works in Japan, and not here in America. Often times you can’t find toilet paper in a public restroom. In restaurants a small moist rolled towel is given too you, but napkins are not. At each table it’s not uncommon to find a whole box of tissues to use instead.
I do feel this is an excellent way to reach the target demographic and how they can refuse? A tissue is one of the most useful, multipurpose inventions ever created. Plus it’s free so how can someone resist?
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