http://www.peacehall.com/news/gb/sport_ent/2006/02/200602161319.shtml For the third time, Yao refused to be Toyota's pitchman, he did not even want to explain the reason, replied with only one word: NO. Maybe this explained the curse of Toyota center
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Reply #1 -- Go ME! Maybe Yao wants some other person, like an Hakeem Olajuwon, or some other popular Houston sports hero to do the honors... Who knows?
Very simple. If he dares to take that job, he'll be the public enemy No.1 in China. Anyways, if it wasn't for him, I doubt Toyota would have sponsored the stadium in the first place.
No self-respecting chinese would ever market for the Japanese. Only Taiwanese people will ever stoop that low.
What curse? There is no curse at Toyota Center. If there was a curse, there would be the curse of the hobos.
ROFL, yeah Yao Ming is the most respected celebrity in China, look where Zhang ziyi's respect went, she was never a good actress anyways. regardless, theres a lot of political and cultural pressure which are causing this decision. Toyota knows that if Yao endorsed their products, their profit will rise in China, but to Yao Ming, such an action would be viewed traitorous by his fellow Chinese people (he explained such in his book). I respect his decision, and Toyota should stop badgering him. EDIT: i don't think this belongs here..
Most Chinese don't like Japan now, but not to the extent that they want to burn everything made in Japan or absolutely refuse to buy Japanese products. But marketing for Japanese products is different. If Yao markets for Japanese products under current atmosphere between China and Japan, that will upset a LOT of Chinese. So what Yao did is smart: saying no with no further explanation, no need to stir up the hot pot. Anyway, this topic is better left outside of GARM.
Unless your name is Jackie Chan. (He's had a contract to be a Mitsubishi spokesperson - since at least 1980 - Cannonball Run?)
Well hey, that's a guy who's stooped low enough to star beside a Diet Pepsi. And let the Diet Pepsi use a stunt double, no less.
btw, he drove a Sequoia, not a Sienna (thats a van). I dont see why not. btw, if there is a curse of the Toyota Center, its the dead body they found in that place when they were still building it.
While it's hard to defend his actions, Japanese were major financial backers in producing HK movies in the 80s. Regardless, Jackie Chan is a traitor.
What's wrong of a chinese man making a few Japanese Yan? man, this michellexiao always starts weird threads.
I've already been called traitorous by fellow Chinese and I drive a Honda so if Honda is looking for a pitchman I'm game.
