If you heard a town’s claim to fame was a flying dog, you’d probably check it out, right? What if we told you that a rural town in Japan had just that? Did you book your tickets yet? OK, full disclosure, the flying dog isn’t a live animal—it’s a drone modeled after the town’s mascot, Yukimaru.
The town of Oji, Japan, has been flying the white, bandana-wearing pup around the town to draw visitors, according to Campaign Asia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HFYsrheuoE
It’s not uncommon for smaller towns in Japan to use mascots to boost tourism. Usually, the mascots appear similar to sports mascots (i.e., people in costumes who pose for pictures with children.)
But Yukimaru brings a new approach to tourism marketing. With this ad, there’s the immediate connection with the fun appearance of a flying puppy happily paddling its legs through the air. But also, you get a greater sense of the town’s personality.
It’s also an interesting way of using drone technology in a totally original and memorable way.
