Free Goodies (pt. 2): Fans, Folders, Food and More!

As mentioned earlier, one form of advertising in Japan is disguised as free tissue packs, which are a staple of Tokyo's busy streets.

Stemming from this idea, companies have churned out more freebies to hand out as advertising. In the summer, the "hottest" item of all to give out is the ubiquitous plastic fan, pictured below.


Many stores hand them out like tissues, while others keep them in stores for incoming customers to take for free. They're so popular that with everyone on the streets holding one, they almost look like fashion accessories.

Again, I think this type of advertising is only a win-win for both companies and consumers. It's advertising with a human touch, if I may say so. (Yeah, who am I kidding, I just like free stuff. Who doesn't?)

Other items to pick up next time you're in town: free tissue, ice-cream (during summer), gum, snacks, hand warmers (winter) , and stationary, including pens and folders, as pictured below.

Makes you feel sort of stupid spending $1 actually purchasing them at the Bookstore...