Language Sanctuary – Ad Space for Protecting Endangered Language
Okinawa is an island in Japan known for its unique culture. Since 2009, UNESCO has listed its traditional language as endangered. The Okinawa Times, the island’s largest newspaper company, wanted to tackle this problem. It created a special ad space which local small businesses could use for free – but with one rule, they can only use Okinawan. In collaboration with ten local businesses, the paper launched ten newspaper ads with 100% Okinawan copywriting and unique illustrations. The Okinawa Times also held an exhibition which displayed posters and a variety of goods all written in Okinawan.
- Press & OutdoorPress Advertising Campaigns
Country
- Japan
Client
- Okinawa Times
Production Company
- Dentsu Creative X
Executive Creative Director
- Yasuharu Sasaki
Art Director
- Shotaro Takizawa
Creative Director
- Ryo Seki
Designer
- Keita Asaoka
Producer
- Rie Kawase
Illustrator
- Hikaru Ichijo
Print Producer
- Akihiro Ohno
Account Executive
- Shimon Tsutsumi
Editor
- Rei Ogawa
Advertising Agency
- Dentsu Tokyo
Okinawa is an island in Japan known for its unique culture. Since 2009, UNESCO has listed its traditional language as endangered. The Okinawa Times, the island’s largest newspaper company, wanted to tackle this problem. It created a special ad space which local small businesses could use for free – but with one rule, they can only use Okinawan. In collaboration with ten local businesses, the paper launched ten newspaper ads with 100% Okinawan copywriting and unique illustrations. The Okinawa Times also held an exhibition which displayed posters and a variety of goods all written in Okinawan.
