Sazae-san Syndrome and Titan-Sized Business: Anime and the Rebirth of Japanese Traditional Crafts
Many adults feel the Sunday night dread—in Japan, the Sazae-san Syndrome—proving animated shows are a universal part of our lives. Global hits like Attack on Titan demonstrate that anime is now a complex, adult medium, forming a market independent of Disney. Smart marketers are leveraging this by realizing high-quality collaborations between anime characters and Japanese traditional crafts. I admire pioneer PREMICO, whose marketer requires directors to read the source manga to build genuine attachment. This synergy—modern emotional appeal breathing life into ancient craft—is the key to a vibrant Japanese economy.
