Lost In Translation: Japanese Condom Ads Are Weird

Advertising is all about the audience. What works in a commercial break during Jackass would decidedly not work while the geriatrics are waiting for Matlock to come back. In the same way, what works in Japan doesn?t work in, let?s say, anywhere else in the world.

Take these condom ads for instance. [via Copyranter] Instead of showcasing a sensuous couple on the verge of the Carnal Institution ? something that would make sense seeing as the only other way to use condoms is for pranks, and that probably only accounts for .0001% of sales ? they show ? well, it?s tough to put into words:

Forget for a moment what the Japanese lettering means; maybe they?re discussing the ?extra lubrication? or ?ribbed for her pleasure? aspects of the produce. Just look at the images that are delivering the message: (1) A monkey; (2) A cupcake; (3) A little girl (?); (4) A family of tree-dwelling creatures; (5) A porpoise; (6) And something called ?KitSack?. That last one at least makes some kind of sense, since condoms are essentially a rubber kit for what comes out of your ?sack?. I guess.

I?m just upset one of the package spokesman wasn?t ?Mr. Sparkle?.