Cannes Lions

PRIDE JERSEY

TBWA\HAKUHODO INC., Tokyo / AIG / 2018

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Overview

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Credits

Overview

Description

We developed a jersey that is black on the surface, but when stretched, will reveal all the colors of the rainbow underneath.

This was specially developed and is a paean to the fact that when all colors of the rainbow (the colors of diversity and inclusion) come together, it creates black.

This fabric and its technology is a world first, and it was made into a cool new jersey for the strongest rugby team in the world, the ALL BLACKS.

Starting with players from the ALL BLACKS, LGBTQ activists from Japan, foreign sumo wrestlers and whole plethora of diverse people expressed their support for our message and cause by wearing this jersey for us. Messaging that these influencers were all “supporters and friends of diversity” was made crystal clear in communication, to ensure that audience take away would be “hey, I can openly express my support too”

Execution

First, we got ALL BLACKS legend Richie McCaw (much loved in Japan) to wear the pride jersey. This was followed by athletes and celebrities who are LGBTQ, foreigners or disabled to join in wearing and being photographed with the pride jersey. These images were shared via social media channels, and then taken up by various news media outlets.

The new pride jersey is now a cool, “must have” item for the general public.

This overall structure was informed by this overall interplay and tricked down effect from celebrity, to influencers, to general public…but always with a strong message of love and unity at its core.

The jersey was worn by more people of at TOKYO RAINBOW PRIDE and garnered even more attention.

Outcome

Just before the launch of this new jersey, anti-LGBTQ comment made by the rugby player, who plays for Australia, became a social issue in the APAC area.

The PRIDE JERSEY was a powerful response to this and won supports from many people.

The news instantly sparked all around the world. The jersey was featured in 272 media across 19 countries including UK, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand, the home of the All Blacks.

The voices of supporting diversity and inclusion spread not only in Japan but also across the globe, winning over 53,764 supports in just 7 days.

This innovative jersey is planned to be worn by the All Blacks

during 2019 Rugby World Cup which will take place in Japan.

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