There's a Japanese restaurant that's causing a buzz with an advertisement featuring a simplified rendition of Ronald McDonald, with pubic hair made of french fries on a billboard. Despite the unusual promotion, it's not related to McDonald's.
1. People Were SERIOUSLY Confused
After the image went viral on Twitter earlier this month, many in the Western world were left in a state of utter confusion. Why on earth would McDonald's undress their iconic red-haired clown and fill his undergarments with fries? It was quite perplexing. Fortunately, the fast food chain hasn't altered its advertising strategy to such an extreme extent.
2. It's An Ad For Yotteba
Yotteba is a franchise of Japanese izakayas, which are akin to neighborhood bars or pubs where people typically unwind with some fries and drinks after a long day at work. These establishments are ubiquitous throughout the Tokyo metropolitan region, and Yotteba has a reputation for its peculiar advertising tactics, so this news comes as no shock.
3. It Is, However, An Ad For French Fries
As indicated by Medium, the Japanese inscription on the advertisement states, "Of course, we serve them in Yotteba's original container" (もちろん酔っ手羽オリジナルものに入って提供です), in addition to the restaurant's name. It's an apparent endeavor at humor, indicating that the fries will be served on a plate or some other type of container, rather than being dispensed from Ronald McDonald's six-pack underpants.
4. The Ronald McDonald On The Ad Is Actually Art
This is a modification of a piece of art produced by Wizard Skull, an artist based in New York City, which is quite remarkable. The original artwork can be viewed on his Instagram page, where you can also explore his other incredible creations. Unfortunately, Yotteba utilized the artwork without seeking the artist's consent, nor did they offer compensation or acknowledgment, which is unacceptable.
5. Yotteba Is Known For Their "naked" Ingredients
As reported by the Daily Mail, an individual on Twitter claimed that the partially unclothed Ronald McDonald is a tribute to the restaurant's usage of fresh, non-mass-produced ingredients. "They are emphasizing that their fries are prepared from scratch on the premises, unlike at McDonald's, where they are pre-processed," the user stated.
6. Will His Help Them Get Business?
It's hard to say. Nevertheless, using such a marketing strategy is certainly an intriguing way to publicize one's restaurant. Will it deter people from visiting McDonald's and persuade them to dine at Yotteba instead? It's anyone's guess. Nonetheless, at least the advertising campaign has generated buzz and got people talking!
