Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2010

The day when billboards can target individual consumers, Minority Report-style, may be coming sooner than we thought. Last month, the Digital Signage Promotion Project, a consortium of railway companies and their advertising arms, unveiled 27 high-tech displays at stations around the Tokyo area. The 52-inch digital screens, which are in place for a one-year trial, are equipped with cameras that let them distinguish the age and gender of people watching the ads. At present, there’s no ulterior motive beyond collecting data, but don’t be surprised if future iterations of the technology leave you with an overwhelming desire to buy a handbag or change your brand of toothpaste. The screens can be found at major stations like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo and Roppongi.

Source: The Yomiuri Shimbun