Tokyo life starting with painting

"Teacher Higashikata, congratulations."

congratulations?

Congratulations for what?

Higashinoji was still drinking tea, but after hearing this, he stopped drinking tea and looked at the name of the person who called.

It dawned on him.

"It's Shenmu-san, happy New Year." Higashinoji replied with a smile: "Is there something wrong?"

He actually asked knowingly.

After all, the person who called was Kirito Fukure from Kumamoto Prefecture, whom he had worked with before. He must have called at this time just for one thing - Kumamon Bear.

But it’s only January 1st, and the holiday hasn’t even ended yet. The Kumamon Prefecture Government is about to go to work? This is too diligent.

Fukure Kirito also responded to Higashinoji: "Well, happy New Year. Mr. Higashino. The main reason I called this time is about Kumamon."

"As a Kumamon designer, Higashino-san should know this. Originally, the main purpose of Kumamon's design was to attract tourists who were about to open the Shinkansen."

"I know this." Higashino nodded.

Slightly different from the previous life, Japan in this world will open the Shinkansen to Kagoshima Prefecture in early 2004. In other words, the Shinkansen will run through the entire Kyushu. With the development of transportation, it will naturally bring a large number of tourists from Kansai, Kanto and other regions. This is undoubtedly an opportunity to make money.

As a region with an agricultural economy, Kumamoto Prefecture is far less well-known than other surrounding counties. In order to attract tourists, Kumamoto Prefecture has adopted various publicity methods, and mascot design is one of them.

Under the suggestion of the genius designer Higashino Tsukasa, last year's Kumamon mascot project was very successful. Through the deceptive Osaka City promotion, it set off a wave of craze in Osaka City, and this also made all Japanese people aware of Kumamon Bear. The cute mascot and the name of Kumamoto Prefecture.

But that didn't stop there.

The subsequent publicity was equivalent to a stagnation. The old publicity team could not think of any interesting ideas. The most important thing is that the most important Shinkansen has not yet been opened to traffic. Tourists cannot directly come into contact with Kumamon Bear, which in turn led to the rapid The famous Kumamon seems to have overdrafted his fame.

This made Kirito Fukure, who was responsible for the mascot image design, quite uncomfortable. After all, the design of Kumamon caused such a big sensation and everyone in the country knew about it. As a result, as soon as Higashinoji left, the publicity team came out. problem.

They did not follow Higashinoji’s approach in conducting novel publicity, but rigidly imitated the operational experience of county mascots for fear of making mistakes.

The promotion efforts were not extensive, which caused Kumamon’s popularity to stagnate.

Fortunately, although they didn't promote it too much, they didn't mess around with it either, and they managed to maintain part of Kumamon's reputation - at least in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamon's popularity is still at its peak.

Listening to Kirito Fumugure's story, Higashinoji roughly understood the situation that Kumamon was currently in. He was also a little speechless, because this couldn't be called something worthy of congratulation at all, right?

What are you congratulating for? Congratulations on saving some of the mess?

You must know that Kumamon was a popular Internet celebrity all over the world. Not only did he perform at the Japanese Spring Festival Gala, but Kumamon also had his own exclusive train. Even the emperor and the unlucky prime minister received this guy.

However, Higashino thought about it carefully and found that this result seemed quite normal.

After all, it is only 2004, and Japanese government units still retain some serious and traditional Showa style, which means that the people working there are somewhat old-fashioned.

The reason why Kumamon was so prosperous in his previous life was not only because of his cute and cute attributes, but also because of his important marketing strategy.

To support the role of Kumamon, it is definitely not like in many novels, where the protagonist writes a picture and then the popularity rises, becoming famous in major media and even the world - this is simply impossible.

The role is very important, and the operations behind it are also indispensable.

Thinking of this, Higashinoji couldn't help but ask: "It seems that the situation is a bit difficult, so why does Shenmu-san still congratulate me?"

"Because a good thing has come." Kirito Fukure felt a little embarrassed about Higashinoji's words, so he smiled and told everything: "The Shinkansen hopes to cooperate with our Kumamon."

oh?

As soon as he said this, Toyoshi immediately became energetic.

It’s almost time for the Shinkansen to open to traffic, and they are also very eager to cooperate with Kumamon.

It seems that last year's publicity has played some role. The Shinkansen has not ignored the mascot of Kumamon and wants to pursue cooperation. Moreover, the Shinkansen will bring huge passenger flow, so the name of Kumamon should be popular again. stand up.

This is indeed a good thing. It's no wonder that Shen Mu Qi Ren couldn't wait for the holiday to end and called Higashinoji.

"We hope that Mr. Higashino can redesign some patterns about Kumamon to use for Shinkansen promotion. This aspect was really troublesome during the New Year's Festival."

"If you want to say that it's the New Year's Eve, isn't it also the New Year's Eve? Don't worry, leave it to me." Higashinoji nodded without hesitation.

Kumamoto Prefecture has a contractual relationship with him, and this is his job.

But Higashinoji clearly felt that this was not the only reason why Fukugu Qiren made the call, so he asked him straightforwardly: "Fukugu-san, is there anything else you need help with besides this matter?"

"There are indeed some unspeakable things that require Mr. Higashino's help." Kirito Fumugure did not hide it, and then requested over the phone: "Teacher Higashino, please join our Kumamon Marketing Team temporarily! We are willing to offer the position of team leader! "

Marketing group?

Higashinoji didn't expect that Kumamoto Prefecture would have such great courage.

The so-called marketing team is probably the team responsible for the promotion and marketing of Kumamon, and the team leader is probably the most powerful position in the team.

Kumamoto Prefecture probably wants to make Kumamon popular again and warm up the cooperation with the Shinkansen.

Indeed, when the two popularity levels are added together, Kumamon will only become even more popular.

only--

"I'm a layman in marketing, Fumaki-san." Higashinoji smiled and tried to decline politely.

He really doesn't understand marketing. He can only give suggestions and plans, but he knows nothing about actual operation.

"That's no problem! Mr. Higashino, you just need to come up with an interesting plan like Osaka City did last year."

"But I don't understand anything."

"No problem, there is someone in the team who understands this." Shen Muqiren was enthusiastic and kind.

“Maybe a little bit budget-wise”

"No problem. As long as the image of Kumamon can be re-ignited, no matter how high the cost, our county government will come up with it."

This is an exaggerated sentence, and of course it is impossible to pay a high price, but Shen Muqiren's words are firm, and she must have made up her mind.

Higashinoji was stunned, never expecting that the Kumamoto Prefectural Government was so thirsty for talents.

Even money is not an issue, so what else is the issue?

"Teacher Higashino, as you know, there are more than 30 mascots belonging to various departments in Osaka and Fukuoka areas alone. If we want to make Kumamon the mascot rise again, we in Kumamoto Prefecture can only work hard and work harder. Mr. Higashino is only serving as the temporary team leader. Our marketing team here will follow you to learn the experience of marketing plans and will not take up much of your time, Mr. Higashino."

Shenmu Qiren's tone was sincere, leaving Touyesi speechless.

As Kirito Fukugu said, there are so many mascots in Japan, not just county government mascots, but also village mascots and town mascots, with the number reaching more than a thousand.

They in Kumamoto Prefecture finally saw hope, so of course they had to hold on tight.

Therefore, this year, only Kumamon, the county government department, worked overtime. It can be said that Shenmu Qiren worked hard. Yesterday, after a day of relaxation, he came back and continued to work overtime. It felt like his hair was falling out.

It was the greatest mercy of his that he didn't yell at those bastards from the marketing team.

Originally, Kumamon had such a strong momentum, but why did it fall behind you when it came to your hands?

Of course, there was no need for him to scold him. Publicity and Development Director Ken Tanaka had already scolded the staff of the marketing team bloody.

But if you don't solve the problem when you encounter it, it's of course useless to just curse. You still have to think of a solution.

After thinking about it, the people in the Kumamoto Prefectural Government eagerly thought of Higashinoji.

Yes, isn’t there a father of Kumamon here? !

He was the one who came up with the last marketing plan, so it’s right to go to him this time!

Moreover, the remuneration cannot be too low for Higashinoji, and the remuneration must be increased! Please help me figure out how to promote the image of Kumamon.

That's why I got this call today.

"I understand." Higashino responded and asked him again: "When should I arrive there?"

"We're actually not in a hurry here." Shen Mu Qiren said with a smile, "If it's okay, what do you think about tomorrow?"

A good one is not in a hurry.

"Then tomorrow."

Higashinoji is a decisive person who values ​​a quick decision.

Since you want to market, you should act quickly and don’t procrastinate.

As for Kumamon's marketing plan, Higashinoji already has a rough idea.

As mentioned before, in his previous life, Higashinoji specially investigated many mascot designs and marketing strategies in Japan because of the assignments given by his tutor. In particular, Kumamon was the most successful example, and he put the most effort into it.

There is no problem in coming up with one or two effective and effective marketing methods.

Higashino promised the other party, babbled a few more words, and then hung up the phone.

Looking at the situation at home, he breathed out.

I originally thought I could relax for a day or two, but before I could relax, something happened again.

After the phone call ended, Higashinoji told Konoe Ryoka and Higashino Chihaya the truth about the situation in Kumamoto County.

Chihaya Higashino was lazy and obviously didn't want to go to Kumamoto Prefecture with Higashino Tsukasa.

Konoe Ryoka expressed her loneliness about having to send Higashinoji away just after meeting him, but she also seriously promised to take good care of Higashino Chihaya during Higashinoji's absence.

In this way, the matter at home can be temporarily solved.

Higashinoji took a car to the airport early the next morning, and then flew from the airport to Kumamoto Prefecture.

This process was so fast that when Shenmu Qiren received the call from Higashinoji, his face was full of confusion——

"Ah? Teacher Higashino, have you arrived at the airport?"

Isn't this too fast?

However, he was not hesitant. He immediately sent people to pick up Higashinoji, and at the same time directed a group of people to vacate the place where Higashinoji worked.

Then.

In front of the Kumamoto Prefectural Government.

"Teacher Higashino!"

As soon as Higashinoji got out of the car, Kirito Fumugure greeted him warmly: "Welcome to Kumamoto Prefecture again, and I wish us a happy cooperation."

"Well, it's a pleasure to cooperate." Higashino nodded, and at the same time looked around thoughtfully.

He just discovered it.

The promotion of Kumamon bears in Kumamoto Prefecture is really good.

Even the stop signs along the way are in the shape of Kumamon bears, and there are various Kumamon peripheral shops filled with shiny Kumamon peripherals.

Many young women stopped to buy.

The sky is covered with bears.

Even two Kumamon cards were erected in front of the county government.

Compared with the empty Kumamoto Prefecture before, the current Kumamoto Prefecture undoubtedly has more of a tourist destination atmosphere.

As a civil servant, Kirito Fukure certainly understood Higashinoji's scrutinizing gaze. He looked back with a smile; "The prefecture has done enough publicity, but the problem is how to keep Shinkansen tourists in Kumamoto Prefecture. It's just The county’s significance is actually not particularly great.”

What he said was indeed reasonable.

It's just internal marketing instead of external marketing, so it doesn't make much sense no matter how aggressive the marketing efforts are.

He invited Dongye Si into the county government and showed him full respect.

"Teacher Higashino came all the way, and I made a special reservation at a nice restaurant."

Shen Mu Qi Ren smiled and spoke to Higashikata while walking.

"Haha, there's no need to eat. I hope to get back to work right away. In fact, I wrote a promotional draft about Kumamon on the plane. I hope Shenmu-san and others in the marketing team can take a look at it and see if it can be done. It can’t be done.”

Higashinoji came here for work, not because he wanted to eat horse meat. He immediately refused the dinner invitation and replied.

His words made Shenmu Qiren next to him so surprised that he lost his voice: "Have you already come up with a marketing draft?"

Wouldn't it be a castle in the air? Although it is only a draft, is it too fast?

The marketing team of our department has come up with only one or two drafts, which is the limit. Moreover, there are traces of plagiarizing other people’s mascot marketing plans. It can be said that there is a complete lack of sincerity, and the plan is too conservative.

Look at Higashinoji again.

I just thought of it after taking a plane!

Are you really a marketing genius? !

Shenmu Qiren quickly put aside her thoughts about inviting Higashinoji to dinner, and instead became concerned about the situation of the draft.

He especially wanted to see Higashinoji's marketing plan.

"It would be best if Mr. Higashino can give those people in the marketing team a good slap in the face for me!"

This is the essential thought of Shen Mu Qi Ren.

I can't help it, it's just too irritating.

Thanks to Bingling Hantian, Illusory Original Sin, Book Friends 20170301195325931, and Fissioner for their rewards! Thank you so much!