Bonding through Context

Intertextuality, particularly word play, is a common feature of Japanese advertising. This article argues that intertextuality is a mechanism for accomplishing the ultimate goal of marketers – to bond with consumers. Reference to texts that consumers know creates an insider narrative space; consumers share this space by virtue of being “in on” the reference. Intertextual references are accompanied by additional text and visual signs (colors, natural phenomena associated with the seasons) th