Inspired by Japanese idol team, Indian school for devs releases copyright-free pics

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

Misao Language Institute (“Misao”) is a language school in India that teaches English and Hindi to foreigners – mostly Japanese – looking to find employment in the country’s busy tech sector. Taking a cue from new Japanese fashion idol team Mika / Rika, the school’s instructors have started a viral advertising campaign to raise their profile.

Mika / Rika turned heads in Japan last month when their website went live, promising use of their photos for free. The ladies are taking an unconventional approach to generating fame, spurning traditional modeling agencies which tightly control their roster of talent.

Knowing that most startups cannot afford to pay for the right to use professional photos of models, Mika / Rika are targeting small businesses and entrepreneurs who need a pretty face to sell their product. Misao’s staff, plugged into the startup scene in Japan, saw the idea and decided the school should give it a try as well.

Devende Chaundhary and Sanjay Dass, both teachers at the school, take center stage under the nom de plume “Dev / San.” Not only is it an abbreviation of their names, it translates to “Mr. Developer” in Japanese.

Take a look below at some of the results. The pics of both websites will go live on December 25.