# Mocking Company Mascots The Fake Vintage Japanese Ad Characters Poke Fun at Brands By Carly Foy | Published 2011-05-05 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fake-vintage-japanese-ad-characters References: [culturepopped.blogspot](http://culturepopped.blogspot.com/2011/05/fake-vintage-japanese-ad-characters_02.html) & [lebureau](http://www.lebureau.tv/#889521/Fake-Vintage-Japanese-Ad-Characters) Illustrator Juan Molinet has created a unique series called 'Fake Vintage Japanese Ad Characters.' The series focuses on playfully mocking the Japanese advertisement characters that are outrageously funny. Juan Molinet's series is extremely cute with its [mascot-like designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chewbie). From Kyoto Seafood Inc.'s headless fish to Sumitomo Calamari Ice Cream's [squid on a stick](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indianflavored-ice-creams), the pictures in the illustrated series display Juan Molinet's understanding of different [Japanese brand mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-and-mcdonalds). My absolute favorite illustration though, would be the mascot for Cheesus Good Cheese Co., which is a triangle of swiss cheese that is bearded and resembles a hole-y figure. Molinet created the Fake Vintage Japanese Ad Characters, according to him, "just for the fun of it." The illustrations are witty and extremely realistic. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Humor](https://www.trendhunter.com/humor) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Fake Vintage Japanese Ad Characters:** Create playful mockeries of brand mascots through vintage-inspired illustrations. - **Outrageously Funny Advertisement Characters:** Use humorous mascots to capture attention and increase brand awareness. - **Illustrated Series with Realistic Witty Designs:** Combine art and humor to create engaging illustrations that resonate with audiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Advertising and Marketing:** Use playful characters to differentiate brands and create memorable advertising campaigns. - **Illustration and Graphic Design:** Apply artistic skills to create unique illustrations that tell a story and evoke emotions. - **Branding and Packaging:** Incorporate engaging mascots into branding and packaging strategies to enhance product appeal and recall. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Japanese Illustration-Inspired Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mofusand-1.md) - [Japanese-Inspired Seltzer Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unusual-your-usual-campaign.md) - [Unique Hybrid Mystery Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-x-vegetable-gachapon.md) - [Provocative AR Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-so-happy-animals.md) - [Cartoon-Themed Kitchen Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yoshinoya-at-home-campaign.md) - [Reimagined Milkshake Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nesquick.md) - [Playful Character Graphic Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monsters-collection.md) - [Mascot Sumo Showdowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sumo-showdowns.md) - [Fun-Loving Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chewbie.md)