McDonald's is launching an innovative promotional campaign for the upcoming film of the immensely popular anime "Detective Conan," set to hit theaters soon. Starting from April 17, 2024, the company will not only reintroduce classic menu items like the "Chicken Tatsuta" but also highlight new offerings such as the "Yurine Chicken Cheese Tatsuta". This campaign coincides with the film's release, aiming to attract both avid tuners of the series and food lovers to the fast-food chain.
One particularly eye-catching aspect of the initiative is the collaboration with "Detective Conan." For the first time, McDonald's has incorporated elements from the show’s narrative and characters to engage fans. Outdoor advertising displayed throughout Shibuya features directional signs styled after the anime's heroine, Ran Mouri. Her distinct hairstyle, recognizable among the show's followers, has been creatively transformed to point the way to the nearest McDonald's locations, announced alongside the phrases indicating distance and the brand's logo. Described as simple yet memorable, this unique marketing strategy has reportedly caught the eye of both fans and passersby alike, generating discussions within the fandom community.
On another front, Governor Abe of Nagano Prefecture has actively championed the film's release, marking the region as the backdrop for the story. Recounting his experience from promoting the film during his visit to Taiwan, Abe expressed enthusiasm for the reception he received, stating, "We hope many people will see Conan and also come to visit Nagano". With the prefecture already gaining attention for its beautiful landscapes and the film's setting at the National Astronomical Observatory, local tourism is expected to get a significant boost.
Participation from local authorities extends beyond mere enthusiasm. With ample expectations for large crowds drawn by the film, Abe is also addressing infrastructure challenges. The recent conversations have included discussions surrounding the introduction of accommodation taxes aimed at managing the anticipated influx of tourism. The proposed tax of 300 yen per night has encountered mixed reactions from local stakeholders, weighing the benefits against the impact on small businesses.
Rather than solely focusing on short-term spend, the governor hopes the film’s fame will resonate throughout the region long after the premiere. He envisions the film as a catalyst for increasing foot traffic to Nagano, emphasizing benefits for local hospitality and attractions.
Beyond the McDonald's campaign and Abe's initiatives, the excitement for the "Detective Conan" franchise extends to new artistic collaborations, including one with another beloved series, "Harry Potter". On January 15, 2025, both franchises will join forces for announcements highlighting their symbolic representations with glasses — both Conan's iconic magnifying perspectives and Potter's defining round frames. Social media buzz around the sneak peeks has already ignited fan curiosity with users speculating about potential intersectional fandom events, particularly since both series have attractions at Universal Studios Japan.
Social media is alive with talk surrounding the creative partnership, with fans commenting, "What’s next for these iconic characters?" Observing the intersections between narrative universes highlights the growing trend of cross-promotions within anime and global franchises to maintain engagement and enthusiasm.
With the film's release looming and promotional campaigns taking off, fans of "Detective Conan" can look forward to not just seeing their beloved characters return but engaging with them through innovative marketing efforts and collaborative festivities. By connecting food, culture, and tourism, the upcoming film holds the potential to create vibrant experiences for visitors and locals alike, refreshing the region's appeal and solidifying the relevance of the "Detective Conan" brand.
Fans can anticipate enjoying not only the movie itself but also engaging with its larger cultural footprint, ranging from mouthwatering food collaborations to cross-series artistic ventures. The collaboration with McDonald's serves as just one of many anticipated highlights for this beloved franchise, promising to forge fresh touchpoints for interaction and enthusiasm among both old and new fans.