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Published Date: 2018/10/11

"Let's Go to Kyoto." 25th Anniversary Poster Exhibition Mr. Nagatsuka performed his first and only live narration at the opening event.

JR Central held the opening event for the "Let's Go to Kyoto" 25th Anniversary Poster Exhibition at Spiral in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on October 9. The "Let's Go to Kyoto" campaign launched in 1993 ahead of the 1200th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo and celebrates its 25th anniversary this October.
As part of its commemorative special initiatives, the company is holding exhibitions of past campaign posters at Spiral, the Gyoko Underground Gallery (Chiyoda Ward), and the Tokyo Sankei Building Brick Gallery (same location).

At the opening, Mr. Hiroyuki Honda from the Sales Division gave a presentation on the campaign's history and future initiatives.
He explained that the company has aired 97 TV commercials and produced 154 different poster designs to date, featuring 79 temples and shrines. He also noted that the Tokaido Shinkansen has doubled the number of visitors from the Kanto region to Kyoto since 2003 by enhancing convenience through increased train frequencies and additional Nozomi services.
Regarding this year's initiatives, he mentioned the launch of the official Instagram account ( @soudakyoto_official ), collaborative campaigns with temples, and the introduction of hidden gem spots. He also screened the new commercial "Ikyu-ji Temple: Peak Autumn," set to air starting October 13.

Actor Kyozo Nagatsuka, who has provided narration for the commercials since the first installment, and commercial director Katsuji Takasaki took the stage to discuss the campaign.
This new commercial will be the last for which Nagatsuka provides narration.

Reflecting on his 25-year involvement, Nagatsuka stated, "I didn't feel like I was doing a corporate commercial; I think my deep affection for Kyoto was stronger. It was all about the wonderful copy, visuals, and music – I just got the best part at the end. This campaign existed alongside my career as an actor."

Director Takasaki, touching on the challenges of weather and shooting schedules, said, "Mr. Nagatsuka's narration shows such a wide range of expressions. He has a deep understanding of the visuals and always gives me a sense of security. As a director, you couldn't ask for more." Nagatsuka then drew laughter by replying, "I learned to read the atmosphere on the recording set."

For the first commercial, Nagatsuka took on the challenge of live narration for the first and last time, synchronized with the footage.
The line "That's right, let's go to Kyoto" has only been narrated in this first commercial and in the new commercial, which marks Nagatsuka's final appearance. The press in attendance listened intently to his voice.
In closing, Nagatsuka shared a message: "Over 25 years, the seasons have come and gone. I'm truly happy to share this nostalgia with everyone through this campaign."

The 25th Anniversary Special Site ( http://souda-kyoto.jp/25th/ ) features behind-the-scenes footage of the commercial and an interview with Nagatsuka. The official YouTube channel
( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP40QiZo7EjfltE3QkStkCw) features over 80 past commercials.

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