A Powerful Billboard Ad: A Sobering Reminder of the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami
A Haunting Reminder
Back in 2017, a striking billboard appeared across the entire height of a building opposite Japan’s Shibuya Station, marking the sixth anniversary of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which claimed tens of thousands of lives. The ad has recently reappeared on Reddit, where it is provoking emotional responses all over again.
The Ad
The ad includes a bold red line indicating the height of the tsunami, and how that would have looked if it had reached Shibuya. It’s a shocking demonstration of the sheer scale and power of the natural disaster, one that, like all the best billboard ads, lingers in the mind long after being viewed.
The Message
The translated billboard reads: "Six years have already passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. On 3-11, in Iwate Prefecture’s Ofunato City, the maximum height at which the tsunami was observed as 16.7 meters. If [it] had happened here, in the middle of Ginza, it would be exactly this [red line’s] height. Just by knowing how high it is, the actions we take can change. We can make preparations here and now."
Reactions
An image of the billboard is currently the top post on Reddit’s r/DesignPorn page. "I feel a twist in my heart when I see this," one user comments, while another adds, "I cannot forget the fear and shock of that day."
Controversy
However, the ad is also provoking another kind of unease. The fact that it’s ultimately promoting a brand – in this case, Yahoo Japan, isn’t sitting well with everyone. "Piggy backing a tragedy for an ad, dystopian," reads one Reddit comment, while another adds, "An incredible message that I was jarred out of at the last line. Yahoo!" Another user pithily summarizes, "Billboard reminders are definitely the best form of disaster prevention lol."
Conclusion
The ad is certainly a powerful and sobering reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters. While some may question the use of a tragedy for promotional purposes, the message itself is an important one. As the ad so starkly illustrates, knowing the scale of a disaster can motivate individuals to take action and prepare for the worst.
FAQs
Q: What was the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami?
A: The Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami occurred on March 11, 2011, and was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Japanese history.
Q: What is the purpose of the billboard ad?
A: The ad aims to raise awareness of the devastating impact of natural disasters and encourage individuals to take action to prepare for the worst.
Q: Who created the billboard ad?
A: The billboard ad was created by Yahoo Japan.
