"Reaction to the ad has been so phenomenal, we started running it all over
again in a campaign that began April 13," a TV network executive says.
Though Kikukawa has been a swimsuit model and the campaign girl for a number of
products, she is not known for flashing her flesh. "She's never given the
impression of being a busty type. She's more about showing off her beautiful
body line and slender proportions," an idol watcher says. "This ad, though, was
surprising because it was something totally new for her."
While glitterati fans argue about whether Kikukawa does or does not have an
ample bust, Wacoal seems to have no doubt about why she looked so large.
"Lanlan is designed so that cup specifications can be adjusted. Unlike
brassieres until now, this bra allows those with smaller breasts to create
cleavage and look bigger," a Wacoal spokesman tells Shukan Post. "Those who are
already large enough can get a better fit so they really enhance their female
beauty."
Masaru Nashimoto, doyen of Japan's entertainment beat reporters, sees
Kikukawa's topical commercial as offering the celebrity's career a new lease of
life.
Shukan Post (April 27)"Kikukawa has appeared in all sorts of shows, like dramas
and news programs, gaining exposure everywhere. She wants to move into acting
and needs to polish herself up a bit to be able to do it," Nashimoto tells
Shukan Post. "I'd say this commercial is a good start for her to begin pursuing
other options with her career."
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