Blasting Open Japan’s Entertainment Scene

“The Naked Director”

Netflix, Inc. (Japan)

In the new era of streaming, Netflix Japan boldly chose to spotlight a “forbidden true story” with The Naked Director. Turning it into a social phenomenon required a holistic strategy that would maximize both the provocation and spread of the content. LampTokyo supported this ambitious challenge by designing a campaign that blurred the line between promotion and branding.

ISSUE 課題

  • While brand recognition for Netflix Japan was growing, deeper penetration among the mass audience and stronger cultural presence were still needed.
  • Due to the sensitive nature of the show’s theme, exposure through traditional TV and major digital ads was limited, making conventional media planning unfeasible.
  • There was a risk that the show’s “provocative” aspects would overshadow its core appeal—the human drama and story of defiance.
  • A strategic framework was needed to balance Netflix’s brand of creative freedom with broader social resonance and empathy.

STRATEGY 戦略

A breakthrough brand strategy that balances Netflix’s signature provocation and intelligence

<Objective>

Position The Naked Director as a symbol of Netflix’s boldness, diversity, and world-class quality, deepening and expanding the brand image in Japan.

<Target Audience>

  • Entertainment Explorers—those who seek out fresh, unconventional content—along with adjacent latent audiences and the upper-mass segment.

<Approach>

  •  Reframe the series as a human success story where “breaking norms rewrites the norm.”
  • Showcase Netflix Originals’ serious commitment by combining A-list actors with cinematic production quality.
  •  Turn advertising restrictions into creative opportunities by leveraging a flexible PR strategy centered around “Fake Brands.”
  •  Deliver intelligent provocation that challenges Japan’s overly well-mannered media landscape, embodying Netflix’s unique identity and fearless stance.

PLANNING 企画

A three-phase integrated campaign that builds momentum from awareness → conversation → cultural obsession

Phase 1|Building Anticipation

  •  Late-night TV spots and fake news drops stirred intrigue and curiosity simultaneously
  • Iconic visuals blending Showa era aesthetics with modern design served as the gateway into the story world

Phase 2|Driving Recognition and Empathy

  •  Bold themes and narrative stakes communicated through high-profile cast appearances, led by Takayuki Yamada

Phase 3|Fueling Buzz and Resonance

  •  Multi-layered experiential tactics—Spotify playlists, vending machine samplings, and “reverse pitch” phone lines—sparked share-worthy conversations
  •  GIF content and KOL engagement encouraged organic social spread and FOMO-driven interest

CREATIVE クリエイティブ

    Video Content: Produced a separate suite of behind-the-scenes content—cast interviews, documentaries, and unreleased stories—to enrich the narrative beyond the main episodes

ROLL 担当領域

  • Brand and marketing strategy development advisory
  • Promotion campaign planning support
  • Production of promotional video content
  • Production of TVCF

日本のエンタメに、風穴を。