Advertising Rules in Japan: Why Creative Gets Sent Back

Outdoor advertising in Japan is reviewed by the media owner before it goes up, and a creative that would run unquestioned in London or New York can be sent back in Tokyo. This article explains who does the reviewing, which laws and house rules lie behind many of the requested changes, what that means for a global master creative, and how to prepare a campaign so that the review causes as little delay as possible. It is general guidance for planning, not legal advice; JAPAN OOH coordinates review with the media owner but does not provide legal opinions.