Sombre-looking executives at a Japanese frozen dessert maker have appeared in a national television advert to apologise for raising the cost of a popular ice cream -- by 9 cents.
Akagi Nyugyo, a brand popular with millions of schoolchildren, increased the price of its GariGarikun lollies on Friday for the first time in a quarter century following years of deflation and falling prices in Japan.
Fearing a backlash, the firm took the pre-emptive step of apologising in a 60-second advertisement that ran on nationwide TV channels on Friday and Saturday. It has been watched more than 900,000 times on YouTube.
The clip begins with a close up of Akagi Nyugyo's executives staring into the camera, arms folded, as they stand in front of the company's headquarters about 75 kilometres (46 miles) northwest of Tokyo.
The camera pans out to reveal around 100 distressed-looking employees standing in formation. Music by a popular folk singer, lamenting price hikes, plays in the background.
A group bow -- a common act of contrition in Japan -- follows, and text appears on the screen that reads: "We held on for 25 years but...", followed by "60→70".
The latter is a reference to the rise in price of the GariGarikun bars to 70 yen (63 US cents) from 60 yen (54 cents). The company said the increase was due to rising costs.
It was the first price hike for the bars since 1991, when the company took out a newspaper advertisement to apologise for a 10-yen increase.
Public apologies are not uncommon among Japanese firms, but this week's video was among the more unusual ways a company has asked for forgiveness.
"It was beyond our imagination that the video would be watched so many times," a company spokeswoman said.
The commercial can be seen at:
AFP
Tue Apr 05 2016
Ice cream company Akagi Nyugyo issued a video apologizing for raising the price of its famous Gari Gari Kun from 60 to 70 yen, the first price hike in 25 years. - EPA photo / FRANCK ROBICHON
Indonesia's Prabowo swears in cabinet of over 100 ministers, deputies
Prabowo Subianto's cabinet has 48 ministries with over 100 ministers and deputies, including two re-appointments.
Freeze on foreign worker employment quota to continue - Saifuddin
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said as of Sept 15 the total number of foreign workers is nearing the stipulated ceiling.
King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Canberra on Australia tour
This is King Charles' first major foreign trip since being diagnosed with cancer in February.
Indonesia's Prabowo plans military academy retreat for new cabinet
The retreat is aimed at forming a bond between around 100 cabinet ministers and their deputies, according to migrant protection minister.
Four loan sharks held for alleged involvement in paint splashing, arson in six states
The syndicate is believed to have conducted illegal money-lending activities, involving loan sharks and online money-lending, police said.
China's PCT international patent applications top world for 5 consecutive years: WIPO chief
China has become the country with the most international patent applications, according to AIPPI President Shoichi Okuyama.
Charles Leclerc wins US Grand Prix; Max Verstappen 3rd after Norris penalty
Charles Leclerc also won the Monaco Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix this year and sits third in the driver standings.
Australia's Qantas told to pay $114,000 to 3 sacked workers in landmark outsourcing case
Qantas claims the sackings were warranted as a cost-cutting measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After Sinwar's death, Israel aims to lock in strategic gains before US election
Israeli leaders are seeking to reshape regional landscape in Israel's favour and shield its borders from any future attacks, sources said.
Netanyahu told Trump Israel will make decisions based on its interests, PM's office says
Israel is pondering its military reaction to recent Iranian missile strikes.
Ringgit extends positive momentum to open higher against US dollar
The ringgit traded higher against the US Dollar in today's early session, driven by continued buying interest towards the local currency.
BHP faces $47 billion UK lawsuit over Brazilian dam collapse
More than 600,000 Brazilians, 46 local governments, and around 2,000 businesses are suing BHP over the collapse of the dam.
Trump hands out french fries in Pennsylvania, Harris visits Georgia churches
Both candidates were scrambling for votes in the most competitive states.
Brazil's Lula cancels BRICS trip after minor brain hemorrhage from fall
Lula "was advised to avoid long-distance air travel but is otherwise able to carry out his regular duties."
Lebanese flee as blasts hit Beirut, Israel warns of strikes on Hezbollah finance arm
On Sunday Israel said it hit Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters and an underground weapons workshop in Beirut.
87 people killed or missing in northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya, health ministry says
A total of 87 people were killed or missing under the rubble after an Israeli attack on Saturday on northern Gaza's town of Beit Lahiya.
Hundreds of colonists storm Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli protection
Hundreds of Israeli colonists stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday morning during the fourth day of the Jewish Sukkot festival.
ANALYSIS - What could happen if Trump rejects the US election results
If Trump seems to be losing, the delay could let him claim fraud and undermine confidence in election officials.
Motorcycling - Marquez wins Australian MotoGP after intense battle with Martin
The 31-year-old, third in the championship standings, has now won the Australian MotoGP four times in the premier class.
Prabowo takes up Indonesian presidency, vows to tackle corruption, other issues
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto on Sunday took over as president of the world's third-largest democracy, vowing to combat internal issues