In Hakodate, the battle rages on between alien squid from the planet Ikaaru and giant robots shaped like the city’s landmarks. In their latest offensive, the dastardly squid invaders have muscled their way into the trailer for “It’s on Me” (Watashi Dasuwa), a new film shot on location in Hakodate.

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The film, which debuts today at the Tokyo International Film Festival, is a low-key drama about a woman who returns to her hometown to spread the wealth she accumulated in Tokyo.

Although the story itself has nothing to do with aliens (and unfortunately no extraterrestrials actually appear in the film), it happens to be set in Hakodate, which is home to an unconventional tourism campaign involving giant robots that defend the city against alien cephalopods seeking revenge on a population that eats too much squid. This tourism campaign has now wrapped its tentacles around the film.

+ Video: Alien squid dances next to a streetcar advertising the film

The new and improved trailer, which was recently posted on the film’s YouTube channel, is nearly identical to the original version, except for the appearance of alien invaders. Only in Hakodate.

[Via: Nippon Cinema]

Tarako Kewpie is at it again with a new pasta sauce commercial.

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Here are a few samples of Japanese graphic design featured in the “Design X” special anniversary edition of IDEA magazine, 1995.

“I’m Here” poster, Katsuhiko Shibuya [+]

“I’m Here” poster, Katsuhiko Shibuya [+]

Poster for “Life” exhibition, Mamoru Suzuki, 1994 [+]

Poster for “Life” exhibition, Mamoru Suzuki, 1994 [+]

Garbage bag design, Gento Matsumoto, 1994 [+]

“Hiroshima-Nagasaki 50″ poster for JAGDA exhibit, Mamoru Suzuki, 1995 [+]

“Hiroshima-Nagasaki 50″ poster for JAGDA exhibit, Mamoru Suzuki, 1995 [+]

“Hiroshima-Nagasaki 50″ poster for JAGDA exhibit, Mamoru Suzuki, 1995 [+]

Iconova – Portrait of Towa Tei, Keiji Itoh, 1994 [+]

Poster for E Company, Tatsuo Ebina, 1993 [+]

Poster for E Company, Tatsuo Ebina, 1993 [+]

Editorial design for Hanatsubuki magazine, Katsuhiko Shibuya [+]

Poster for Yume-No-Yuminsha theatrical troupe, Noriyuki Tanaka, 1989 [+]

Poster for Yume-No-Yuminsha theatrical troupe, Noriyuki Tanaka, 1989 [+]

“Life/Elements” poster for “Life” exhibition, Keiji Itoh, 1994 [+]

Voice, Ken Miki, 1993 [+]

Primitive, Ken Miki, 1993 [+]

Delicate Technology, Ichiro Higashiizumi, 1991 [+]

Editorial design for “Dress-up Vol.1,” Noriyuki Tanaka, 1994 [+]

Editorial design for “Dress-up Vol.1,” Noriyuki Tanaka, 1994 [+]

Modera Tone, Kazumasa Nagai, 1995 [+]

Godiva advertising poster, Osamu Fukushima, 1992 [+]

Godiva advertising poster, Osamu Fukushima, 1992 [+]

Laforet advertising poster, Takuya Ohnuki, 1991 [+]

Poster for Sapporo wine museum, Kotaro Hirano [+]

Poster for “Life” exhibition, Osamu Fukushima, 1992 [+]

Poster for “Life” exhibition, Osamu Fukushima, 1992 [+]

The website for a genetic enhancement company called Nippon Shin Eisei (Japan New Health) features an eerie Flash-based introduction to the Junsui Project, which profiles a genetically-altered individual named Junko (who’s at the center of what looks like an alternate reality game or viral marketing campaign).

From the site (which can be viewed only once before an “error message” is displayed):

“For countless millenia, humans have evolved unconsciously, spreading out to populate the world. For the first time ever, we may glimpse our long genetic inheritance… And from it, we may plot the path by which we wish to continue. Junko is the first child of her type ever to be born. She and the other Junsui are the children of ALL mankind. Through the new technology of genetic target augmentation, Junko has been gifted with only the most optimal human alleles. Junsui are the best of all we have ever been, and therefore represent the best way of coping with an uncertain future.”

The Nippon Shin Eisei website claims to offer customers access to revolutionary new gene enhancement technology that can ensure the best possible future for their unborn children. Most of the site appears to be password-protected, but if you send an email requesting one of their test kits, you will get the following response:

From: infoSPLATshineisei.jp
Subject: Thank You For Interest in NSE

Dear Consumer:

Thank you for interest in Nippon Shin Eisei.

Due to overwhelming response, Nippon Shin Eisei has temporarily decided to issue a cessation of test kit distribution by mail.

We foresee the ability to distribute kits again in the near future. We are proud to announce that NSE is currently undergoing a transition to a new office and laboratory facilities which will enable us to accommodate a much larger volume. At which time this becomes a possibility, you will be informed by electronic mail.

If you are in the Matsuyama area, please feel free to schedule a genetic analysis through our office. Please note that samples from both prospective parents are necessary.

Thank you for your interest in the More Than Me and Junsui programs.

Best Regards,

Masa Tatenuma
Founder, NIPPON SHIN EISEI
http://shineisei.jp

“Yourself as you wish to be remembered.”

[Link: Junsui Project Introduction]

Unfortunately, the stylish denim face masks pictured in these old Wrangler ads (designed by Tycoon Graphics) are not available at the local department store.

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A 3-millimeter-thick digital booth babe is drawing double-takes in Tokyo.

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Spotted at the International Stationery and Office Products Fair, this eye-catching digital signage system consists of a 0.3-millimeter-thick high-luminance rear-projection film (Vikuiti Rear Projection Film developed by 3M) applied to a 3-millimeter-thick glass substrate cut into the shape of a woman. A rear projector beams video onto the film, whose microbead-arrayed surface produces a crisp, brilliant image viewable from any angle, even in brightly lit environments.

[Source: Robot Watch]

Casual clothing brand Uniqlo has created the most captivating web calendar ever, featuring a random assortment of stop-motion tilt-shift imagery from locations across Japan and charming background music by Fantastic Plastic Machine. Highly addictive.

[Link: Uniqlo Calendar]

The Chiba Lotte Marines might suck, but their game posters rule. Sighted at JR Kaihin-Makuhari station, these retro movie-style posters depict the home team heroes defending the city from attack by villainous monster opponents.

Marines vs. Giants

Marines vs. Swallows

Marines vs. Bay Stars

Marines vs. Dragons

Marines vs. Carp

Marines vs. Tigers

[Link]

Sushi gets a high-fashion makeover in these savory print ads for Issey Miyake’s Pleats Please line of clothing. Created by Taku Satoh Design Office.

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[Link: Graphis]

The stomach contents of famous monsters are revealed in this series of Brazilian ads for Cup Noodles (a.k.a. “genuine Japanese fast food”).

Godzilla [+]

Kanegon [+]

Gomora [+]

Alien Baltan [+]

[Via: I Believe in Advertising]

See also: Hungry (for giant prehistoric beasts)?