Land of the rising celebrity endorsement
It seems to us that Japanese celebrities are always up for more daring (read: bonkers) ad commitments than their western counterparts. The evidence? How about popular comedian Takashi Okamura’s eight-player Mario Party 7 skit that sees the jovial prankster - he’s particularly well known for his naked wrestler breakdancing skit - replicated as eight Marios to demonstrate the awesomely awkward prospect of two players on one controller. At least he, unlike actress/model Sawai Miyuu, didn’t have to dress up like a unicorn to sell language translation software.
Sold!
It’s not always for personal benefit - Nintendo know how to shepherd celebrity cash into the charity paddock. At the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, three decorated DSes were put in front of a Nintendo-hungry pack o’ stars for auction - and were won by comedian Jay Mohr, and actors Poppy Montgomery and Alan Cumming. The three coughed up a collective $14,000. Heaven knows what kind of money would be thrown around if the celebs ever caught a glimpse of those modded Wiis we’ve been seeing on eBay.
Above: Get it? "Mario Party"
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