A massive Suntory “Boss” canned coffee billboard endorsed by american actor/director Tommy Lee Jones, which I pass by on my way to the studio everyday. It’s so huge you can see it from miles away.
Billboards like this were the part of the inspiration behind Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation, (below) although Bill Murray was selling Suntory liquor in the film instead of coffee.
Although most of my Japanese friends who have seen Lost in Translation disliked it, ( I think mostly because there were too many scenes that made fun of Japanese culture ) its was quite an unforgettable film for me as I was just about to embark on my 3 year film course in Tokyo when I watched it, and I had never then visited Japan before. Many of the locations in the film were within cycling distance from where I stayed in Meguro ( ie the Pachinko in Nakameguro, shops in Daikayama, Shibuya’s 109 crossing. ), giving the film an added sense of realism.
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Horoyoi – Suntory Drink Commercials
Suntory x Final Fantasy VII Potion
Little Green Men
Of coffee and early mornings.
Japan Earthquake : How you can help.
November 17th, 2007 at 12:35 am
When I saw the title of this post, the first thing I thought was Bill Murray in Lost in Translation. Maybe cause I just caught it recently when a friend of mine mentioned it.
November 17th, 2007 at 10:58 am
I figured it was the most memorable line from the film too. :]
November 17th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
I remember seeing the same adverts on the Keiyo Line while in Tokyo during September this year. Can’t believe they still have it around ^^;
November 19th, 2007 at 5:04 am
Its a really huge billboard, so I guess to make it worthwhile it’d probably stay around for just a while longer. :]
November 21st, 2007 at 5:41 am
i love the things you catch up in your blog and write about.
i completely share your opinion about lost in translation. i think i have to see it again here in tokyo. it must be a funny feeling.
November 22nd, 2007 at 7:57 pm
I love the music in Lost in Translation too, gotta watch it again soon ! :]
November 22nd, 2007 at 11:29 pm
that is one of my most favourite movies.
i loved the charlie brown look-alike and the peaches song they were playing in the strip joint.
i used to always quote this movie. love it so.
November 29th, 2007 at 5:49 am
Unforgettable film. When I visited Japan very frequently between the years 2003 and 2005, I was always out and about on my own in the massive metropolis that is my beloved Tokyo. Eric would be at work and I had all the time to explore the city and it is a deeply introspective journey. I actually stood still for a few heartbeats at the shibuya crossing, an obstacle to the throngs of commuters, and it was gratifyingly romantic. I think that is why I can relate so well to the film’s theme.
November 30th, 2007 at 9:03 am
tessar – I gotta find that strip joint. :p
nahs – I’m sure you know that the experience you described is exactly what inspired Sofia Coppola to make this film. She was accompanying her then boyfriend director Spike Jonze on his photography jobs here in Tokyo and had many afternoons to herself to explore Tokyo on her own.
September 8th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Tokyo has got to be one of my favorite cities in the world. It in ways reminds me of seattle but better. Billboards like that just add to the scene.