Advertising in Japan

During my Senior Year at the University of Michigan, the class “Building Tokyo” took 13 students and 2 instructors to revel in the architecture marvels of Tokyo, Japan. During the time there, each student was to design and research a topic for a final paper. All in relation to the architectural beauty of the city. My choice was Shibuya Crossing or “Center Gai.” My paper, entitled “Pedestrian Movement, Advertising, Shibuya Station, & Center Gai,” discussed the uniqueness of Japanese advertising, pedestrian patterns indoors and outdoors of Shibuya (train) Station, and the madness of Center Gai.

Tactics

  • Conduct field research during a week long trip to Tokyo
  • Visit the Museum of Advertising & Marketing
  • Write a research paper and complete a 30 minute class presentation

Results

  • Observed pedestrian movement at Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Station
  • Photographed and documented various types of advertising in the Shibuya area
  • Produced a 15-page research paper and video presentation

Project Details
Date: April 2007