Dramatizing Dentsu Inc. Founder: "Seiro Mitsunaga, Pioneer of Advertising"

TV Kumamoto will broadcast "Seiro Mitsunaga: Pioneer of Advertising," the 22nd installment of its documentary drama series "Local Greats," depicting the life of Dentsu Inc. founder, on October 26 from 4:05 PM to 5:20 PM. The station filmed and produced this episode in Hikawa Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, the birthplace of Mitsunaga.

Seiro Mitsunaga

 

Born in 1866 in Hikawa Town (then Yatsushiro District, Nozu Village), Mitsunaga aspired to become a soldier. However, illness robbed him of the use of his right leg, closing that path. During the First Sino-Japanese War, he traveled to China as a war correspondent. The experience of his articles being published with significant delays due to inadequate communication methods led him to conceive the idea of establishing a news agency. Simultaneously, he founded an advertising agency. Thereafter, he worked tirelessly as a pioneer in the communications and advertising industries, growing Dentsu Inc. — which began as a small company with about eight employees — into Japan's largest advertising agency.

The cast includes lead actor Katsuhiko Watabiki, along with Motosuke Iida, Hiroki Okada, and Kurara Emi, originally from Kikuyo Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. Residents of Hikawa Town also appear as extras.

Details about the drama can be found here (TV Kumamoto Special Program Page).