Anyone that knows about Japan or has ever visited knows how vital public transportation is to everyday life. The train systems here are such an essential part of life that all but 6 of the 51 most busiest train stations in the world are located in Tokyo!
That being said, those of you who live in Tokyo have probably at some point or another caught glimpses of the new ad campaign launched by Tokyo Metro last month, informing riders of the Ginza Station Design Contest and ongoing Ginza line renewal project.
The ads are featured in every station on the Ginza line in various mediums including print, digital posters (such as the image above), videos on the train, a comprehensive website (not responsive unfortunately) and more. The website includes information about the renewal project and concept, which aims to divide the stations on the Ginza Line into five major areas, the Shitamachi (old downtown) Area, Shougyo (commerce) Area, Ginza Area, Business Area, and Trend Area, and redesign each station according to the theme for the corresponding area.
We particularly like the simple and effective identity developed for the campaign, which pairs the Ginza line’s warm golden-yellow color with that of the standard yellow and black associated with construction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwzBh4LdRUs
A brief 30 second CM was also developed for the campaign and is often featured in stations and train TVs.
In addition to the CM, 26 different posters were created to feature in station posters, online ads, etc. Here are just a few of the posters, all of which can be found on the Tokyo Metro website.
The contest, launched on January 21st, extends until March 6th and is calling for designers and architects to submit their designs for how they think the 1st floor of the Ginza Station subway ought to be re-designed. Below is a translation from a section of the brief from Tokyo Metro:
The design should focus on the connection with earth/nature and use the space so that even though you are below ground it feels as if you are above ground.
For all you sleep deprived architects out there looking to make your mark, you still have about 3 weeks to get your designs in. Brew up a pot of coffee and get to designing!