Hello, this is Frank.
Today’s topic is “Stealth Marketing,” often shortened to “stealth marketing” or “stealth ads.” This refers to marketing techniques that intentionally hide the fact that something is an advertisement, so consumers don’t realize they’re being marketed to.
Stealth marketing-also known as *buzz marketing* or *undercover marketing*-is designed to create buzz or go viral by disguising promotional content as something organic or authentic[9]. While this approach can be effective at sparking conversations and driving sales, it’s often criticized as unethical because it hides its true intent from consumers.
Of course, outright fraud or selling products through deception is illegal and should be punished. But personally, I don’t see stealth marketing as a big issue-I see it as just another sales tactic.
Lately in Japan, there’s so much focus on compliance and regulations that it feels like the economy is being stifled. Everything seems to lean negative.
But do rules make money? These days, even private companies are starting to act like bureaucrats, and honestly, it’s a bit disheartening.
Isn’t it enough that people buy things simply because they want them? Announcing, “Now I’m going to give you a sales pitch!” isn’t real marketing.
What do you think?
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■ Frank Yoshida is an award-winning author who made his professional debut in January 2009 after winning the Grand Prize in the “Gateway to Success for New Writers 2008” Contest, sponsored by Goodbook Shuppan, Japan. His acclaimed short love story, Hanarerarenaku-nacchau (“What Would I Do Without You?”), marked the beginning of his published literary journey. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Kobe University of Commerce. ■ Frank brings a wealth of international business experience to the table. With a strong background in Surface Mount Technology (SMT), he served as a technical adviser in key innovation hubs such as Silicon Valley, Hsinchu (Taiwan), and San Jose (California). His global career includes negotiating international investment disputes in the United States, advising in the leather industry, and managing timber import strategies. As a seasoned international business consultant and flexpatriate, he has worked extensively across North America, Latin America, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa for leading trading companies and multinational clients. ■ A certified English expert, Frank holds ten prestigious English qualifications: UNATE (United Nations Association Test of English) SA Class, BEST (Business English Standard Test) A-Grade, Volunteer Interpreter Test (V-Tsuken) A-Grade, TOPEC (Nursing English) Perfect Score, Nissho Business English Proficiency Test Grade 1, Tourism English Proficiency Test Grade 1, Zensho English Proficiency Test Grade 1, English Vocabulary Test (TANKEN) Grade 1, EIKEN® Grade 1, and Japan's National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification. ■ Frank is also a passionate motorcycle enthusiast. He finds his ultimate freedom cruising along scenic coastlines aboard his beloved Suzuki Hayabusa GSX-1300R mega tourer. He describes the liberating experience in two words: “Stay aloof.”
Frank
