Vocabulary:
- spearhead [/SPEER-head/]
- scrapbook [/SKRAP-book/]
- currently [/KUR-uhnt-lee/]
- souvenir [/soo-vuh-NEER/]
- patronize [/PEY-truh-nahyz/]
(verb) to lead an organized effort or activity
Joe will spearhead our marketing campaign.
(noun) an album in which pictures, newspaper clippings, etc. may be pasted or mounted
He kept a scrapbook containing press cuttings of his concerts.
(adverb) at the present time or now
Davis is currently performing in a Broadway play.
(noun) something that you keep to remember a special visit or event
I kept my ticket stub as a souvenir when I went to the Super Bowl.
(verb) to be a frequent or regular customer or client of an establishment
The ladies of Berne liked to patronize the Palace for tea and little cakes.
Japanese paper tapes or washi tapes are very famous these days. Kamoi Kakoshi Co., a Japanese company that produces masking tapes, launched a variety of masking tapes of different colors, sizes, designs, and textures in 2007. The company spearheaded the use of washi tapes in decorating gifts, books, and other scrapbook-related materials. Because of this, Kurashiki, Okayama is currently known as the home of masking tapes in Japan.
These washi tapes became popular for their unique features. Fans of arts and crafts frequent stores in the Bikan area to purchase these tapes as souvenirs. The tapes were also featured in trade shows in France. Many locals and tourists often visit this part of Japan to patronize their unique products. Indeed, washi tapes have become a favorite must-have for creative customers.
True or False:
- Nyochikudo is a Japanese company that produces masking tapes.
- Washi tapes were launched in 2008.
- Kamoi Kakoshi Co., founded the use of washi tapes as a decoration.
- These washi tapes are available at Kurashiki, Okayama.
- Tourists can trade these washi tapes in France.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think buying souvenirs is practical? Why or why not?
- If you were the owner of a company, would you grant the requests of your customers? Please explain your answer.
- Do you think featuring Japanese products in trade shows is an effective marketing strategy? Please explain your answer.
- Why do you think Japanese products are loved worldwide?
- Do you believe that the customer is always right? Discuss.
Express Your Opinion:
- “Business has only two functions – marketing and innovation.” – Peter Drucker
- “The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself.” – Peter Drucker
- “A brand is a voice and a product is a souvenir.” – Lisa Gansky