The promotional campaign for Sadako vs. Kayako, the upcoming horror film that pits Juon: The Grudge and Ringu ghosts against one another launched tongue-in-cheek “general election” ads. The commercials have a seemingly serious political slant for what is actually a popularity contest between the two characters.
In the video, using an interpreter, Sadako tells potential voters that the country is slow in advancements because it has a tendency to hold back. Sadako mentions that she has even gone to haunt America (referring to the American film The Ring), and that she learned there how important it is to step forward. She tells viewers that the Japanese people now are too reclusive, and that if you don’t have the motivation to get up and haunt people, you can’t change the world.
Sadako then goes on to say that she knows that people doubt her abilities because she is a regretful spirit, but insists she has confidence in her footwork, and can move around anywhere in Japan as long as there is a TV lying around. She says because of this, she will be able to hear all of the voters voices, and ends by saying that she is going right now to visit the person beyond the screen.
In Kayako’s video, she first asks the audience if they’re being haunted, and introduces her son Toshio, who she tells to introduce himself. Kayako goes on to say that what Japan lacks now right now is bonds of friendship and love, as well as communication within the family. She says that on the other hand, she and her son have a strong bond, and that she treasures her household over anything else. Kayako proves this by stating that she and her son haunt and kill anyone who comes into their house together. In conclusion, she admits that while haunted video tapes are a great method for reaching viewers, young people nowadays don’t even know what a VHS tape is.
Kayako is currently winning the general election with 5,599 votes to Sadako’s 5,460 votes. Participants can cast their vote once per day on Twitter with the hashtag “#総選恐_貞子派” for Sadako or “#総選恐_伽椰子派” for Kayako after following the campaigns official account “@sadakaya_cp”. Campaign merchandise like cup companion figures, t-shirts, and posters will be given away to participants.
The film is taking part in three different campaigns including a poll to decide which spook is scarier. Patrons vote with their ticket stubs, and may win a present by lottery.
The ghosts will continue to appear in a variety of promotional events, including a wrestling match on June 18. They’ve both allegedly joined the line-up of heavy metal band Seikima II.
The Sadako vs. Kayako horror film opens in Japan on June 18.
More from Anime News Network:

Cosplay and rejuvenate your skin at the same time with new Sadako vs Kayako face masks
Ready to be scared? It’s the clash of the curses in Sadako vs Kayako!【Review】
Sadako vs Kayako glass hangers will make your drinks horrifyingly cute
Sadako vs Kayako take to the field as they open baseball game in Hokkaido
Sadako is nowhere to be seen as Kayako models for Japanese fashion magazine
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Utada Hikaru sings incredible new one-take version of “First Love,” 26 years after original release
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
To celebrate 7-Eleven Day, here are seven 7-Eleven Japan items that need more love
Peeing Shiba Inu figures are Japan’s latest quirky, maybe-cute capsule toy offerings【Photos】
Hen na Hotel Haneda: What it’s really like to stay at Tokyo’s “Weird Hotel” with dinosaur robots
Japanese Twitter obsessed with app that revives the VHS camcorder recording quality of the ‘80s
Sylvanian Families x Technics—we discover DJ turntable replicas are perfect for mini animal raves
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
What happens when you combine two of the scariest movies ever? You get Sadako vs Kayako!
New teaser for Sadako vs Kayako brings two curses together for a terrifying double-act【Video】
Horror icon Sadako gets update in new movie! See the creepy first trailer【Video】
Ju-On’s mother and son monsters start Instagram account, show what they do when not busy haunting
Sadako 3D Box Set Offers a Glimpse at the Daily Life of a Japanese Horror Icon
Virtual reality Sadako lets anyone experience crawling through a TV and scaring people to death
The Ring’s Sadako haunts one of Japan’s favorite hot springs for Halloween
Tokyo taxis offer to let you take a ride with The Ring’s ghost girl, just in time for Halloween
Hello Kitty turns scary and cosplays as Japanese horror character – but still manages to be cute!
Cast your vote for a brand new Japanese Kit Kat flavour to be released worldwide later this year
Leave a Reply