The new commercial for the "Let's Go, Kyoto." campaign features second-generation traveler Tasuku Emoto contemplating the statue of Saint Kuya.
NEWSBOARD / LOUNGE
June 2, 2023

The new commercial for the "Let's Go, Kyoto." campaign features second-generation traveler Tasuku Emoto contemplating the statue of Saint Kuya.

Tokai旅客鉄道株式会社 (JR Central) has begun sequentially airing a new commercial for its "Let's Go, Kyoto." campaign, which launched in 1993, starting Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Additionally, an exhibition titled "Kuya Shonin Gathering Exhibition," featuring life-sized local statues of Saint Kuya imagined for each prefecture, will be held at an event space in Tokyo Station.

New Commercial: Let's Go, Kyoto. "Saint Kuya" Episode

The new commercial begins with the traveler's candid questions about the statue of Saint Kuya: "Why are there six Buddha statues emerging from his mouth?" and "Why is he so gaunt and dressed in such humble robes?" It then reflects on the sculptor who wished to capture the very essence of Saint Kuya's way of life—giving to others while emptying himself.
By confronting Saint Kuya, a figure once encountered in textbooks, an opportunity arises to connect with his humanity. This, in turn, reveals the allure of Kyoto, a place where such a "journey" is possible.

• Title: Let's Go, Kyoto. "Saint Kuya" Episode
• Air Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023 (Reiwa 5)
• Broadcast Areas: Spot commercials will be aired primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Shizuoka region. They will also be broadcast during programs sponsored by JR Central.
• Commercial URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5lfJlVUWXw

Tokyo Station Hosts the Great Kuya Gathering Exhibition

The "Kuya Shonin Gathering Exhibition" offers an intimate encounter with the statues of Saint Kuya that inspired the campaign. In addition to a life-sized 3D model of Kuya, the exhibition features local Saint Kuya figures from all 47 prefectures, referencing Saint Kuya's travels across Japan.
Furthermore, "Palm-Sized Saint Kuya Acrylic Stands/Keychains" will be distributed in limited quantities each day. An Instagram campaign is also planned, encouraging photos taken with the "Palm-Sized Saint Kuya Acrylic Stands/Keychains."

• Exhibition Period: Saturday, May 20 – Sunday, June 18
• Venue: Tokyo Station Event Space (Yaesu Concourse, Yaesu Central)

Inquiries

Let's Go, Kyoto.
https://souda-kyoto.jp/