Creative Inspiration: Nagi Noda

earlier this year, i came across this amazing Coca-Cola commercial.  i don't remember seeing it broadcast on television, but i thought it was genius!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKGw_KYH63k

a cute story with really nice art direction PLUS (what i thought) was an incredibly original visual storytelling technique.  i had to watch it several times.

just now, i was watching a video clip on Chung Dha Lam's AnD blog.  the video is about how Japanese culture has impacted global culture and how the art and technology of Japan has been co-opted by the world.  there was a quick shot of what looked like the Coca-Cola commercial, but was obviously from Japan.

for a few minutes i was pretty pissed!  here was this amazing thing that i thought was so damn original only to find out that it was ripped off from a Japanese artist!

Google and DIGG put my anger to rest as i learned that the original concept was used in a music video directed by Nagi Noda, who also directed the Coca-Cola commercial. 

here's the original music video for Japanese recording artist Yuki.  the song is called "Sentimental Journey" and is directed by Nagi Noda.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdvMKkhlQiQ

EDIT:  Here's a link to a page where they briefly explain how they made the Coca Cola spot.