Following in the footsteps of Kobayashi City in Miyazaki Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture’s Seki City has recently released its own quirky PR video. This ad, however, focuses on the city’s contribution to daily life with an important product that the city is famous for rather than emphasizing any local accent. Judging by the bizarre scene in the photo above, can you guess what Seki City is famous for producing? Here’s a hint: This video is shear madness!
Give the video a watch yourself, or scroll down for our brief description and screenshots.
The advertisement begins with a rather loving scene set to touching music of a mother preparing a meal in the kitchen. However, something’s not quite right as she raises her hand to begin chopping a carrot…minus a knife!
▼ Props to her for managing to keep a face of serious determination, however.
This bizarre spectacle is followed by even more surreal scenes, including the following:
▼ A middle-aged man is standing in front of his bathroom mirror–apparently about to rip off his stubble with tape!
▼ What on earth is this stylist doing biting a client’s hair with his teeth…?
▼ Idol handshake events have never looked this creepy.
▼ But this wedding scene looks kind of fun, actually.
Finally, we get a glimpse of each person going about their business with the following short message overlaid:
Have you figured out what Seki City is famous for making yet? According to this ad, Seki is Japan’s No. 1 City of Blades! Seki was famous for its swordsmiths during Japan’s feudal era, and while we’re not entirely clear if it’s still the largest producer of bladed objects in Japan by volume or what, but apparently it’s associated enough with all manner of sharp, pointy things that it warrants this title.
Despite the odd manner in which the city went about its PR mission, we’ve got to say, the ad is a bit endearing in its strangeness. Be sure to think about Seki the next time you use any type of product with a blade!
Source/images: YouTube/Seki Koshiki Channel
[ Read in Japanese ]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japanese Godzilla looks set to attack New York in teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero[Video]
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
First Shiba Inu police dog in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture now on duty[Video]
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Ichiran Ramen’s delicious new product: Fried tonkotsu noodles!
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japanese Godzilla looks set to attack New York in teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero[Video]
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
First Shiba Inu police dog in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture now on duty[Video]
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Ichiran Ramen’s delicious new product: Fried tonkotsu noodles!
Turn a rainy forecast into a blast at the Naruto & Boruto Ninja Village May Rain Festival 2026
No, that’s not French bread, it’s Japan’s crazy-big gobo!
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
We try a viral Chinese TikTok recipe for spicy ramen using Sprite soda in the broth【SoraKitchen】
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Want a bit of One Piece magic? This real-looking Devil Fruit is sure to set the right mood!
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]