please do it at home

Once in a blue moon I will come across an ad or a photograph which makes me want to applaude because of it's creativeness. It's the kind of thing that makes me wish I had thought of it first.

The two images shown here are so called "manner posters" put up by the Tokyo subway, aka Tokyo Metro.

Instead of the usual "please refrain from...," or "Don't ...," "Please do it at home" is a creative and powerful copy that works with its simple and cute graphics to leave impressions on people who view it. This ad doesn't offend anyone, and yet the message is clear and delivered. Tokyo Metro has had some funny manner posters in the past, but this one should win an award. Everyone in town is talking about the "good sense" that went into making this, and I think everyone is looking forward to the next one even though it's very easy to imagine what's it's going to be about.

Definitely one of the best ads I have seen in years. It just goes to show that simplicity always works. Bravo to whoever the creative person was here.