Mister Donut “Rū Ōshiba Ryōfū Men” (2008)
https://youtu.be/Rb-tkzOTveI?si=mYd2k9Nz8Zg55m3c
This commercial showcases a typical example of Japanese wordplay (punning) in advertising, which requires an understanding of the celebrity involved.
Key Japanese Feature: Talent/Product Wordplay (Dajare)
The Talent: The star is Rū Ōshiba, a well-known Japanese entertainer famous for his signature comedy technique called “Rūgo” (Rū-language). Rūgo is his unique linguistic style where he gains laughs by mixing simple English words with Japanese in a deliberately confusing, yet humorous, way.
The Product Link: The entire commercial is built around the humorous phonetic link between the comedian's name, "Rū Ōshiba," and the product names, which end with the sound "Rū" (e.g., Kake-Rū, Maze-Rū, Tsuke-Rū). This phonetic pun (Dajare) is the central comedic device.
Lenor “GeGeGe no Kitaro” Collaboration CM (2009)
https://youtu.be/Nd0g2TV6yBg?si=UTNvlmiTrE6LTzAa
This commercial features a "National Character Tie-up," which is a very common Japanese advertising strategy.
Key Japanese Feature: National Character Collaboration & Contrast
The CM uses characters from "GeGeGe no Kitaro," a manga and anime franchise that has been popular in Japan for over fifty years. Kitaro and his accompanying yokai (supernatural beings) are universally recognized by virtually all Japanese generations.
Key Characters Featured in the CM
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Medama Oyaji (Kitaro's Eyeball Father): Kitaro’s father, who dissolved and remains only as an eyeball. He is known for his wisdom.
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Kitaro: A child belonging to the Ghost Tribe. He uses his supernatural powers to fight against evil yokai.
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Nezumi Otoko (Rat Man): A yokai who is 300 years old and is notoriously unhygienic, having never taken a bath.
Asahi Soft Drinks “Todoku Tsuyosa no Nyusankin W” featuring Masami Nagasawa (2021)
https://youtu.be/HnfBOMexiy8?si=98rbaavfEWCHr3Xv
This commercial focuses on a lactic acid drink that specifically targets sleep quality and deep rest.
Key Japanese Feature: Function-Specific Dairy Products & Surreal Staging
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Product Focus: This beverage belongs to a category of health-claim dairy products (such as FOSHU/Foods with Function Claims) that are abundant in the Japanese market, targeting very specific physical benefits.
Surreal Staging: The CM employs a surreal and humorous device: the actress is shown feeling sleepy at her office desk and then suddenly starts dancing vigorously. This action sharply contrasts with the quiet office setting and the actress's preceding fatigue.
Calbee Kata-age Potato “Ganko Oyaji Macaroni Western” (2005)
https://youtu.be/jASR--IuI2I?si=w5OnkhlpO2RUzDXg
This commercial is a classic example of a Japanese advertising parody based on a foreign genre.
Key Japanese Feature: Thorough Genre Parody and Homage
Parody Focus: The entire CM is a meticulous and faithful parody of the Macaroni Western film genre (a subgenre of Spaghetti Westerns, often featuring intense close-ups, specific camera angles, and dramatic music).
NISSAN CEBE ARTE II (2001)
https://youtu.be/zmhQ-ilFLVQ?si=Z8u0NzC8ZNGmdAby
Staging: The driver takes a relaxed drive with a dog to a pleasant location in the ARTE II. The dog appears to be the most delighted passenger.
Ebara Puchitto Udon Mentaiko (2023)
https://youtu.be/Xz8xrFxgObs?si=ZGFUON8ioTZLImKH
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The product is a mentaiko (pollock roe) sauce contained in a single-serving portion cup, which is poured directly onto udon noodles for consumption.
The commercial features an animated mentaiko dancing to the background music, creating a highly surreal visual sequence.
Online Game: “Whiteout Survival” (2023)
https://youtu.be/V1gbhPOP1j8?si=xnu6pU6t79nelHJZ
A commercial for the mobile game Whiteout Survival, set in a frozen, post-apocalyptic world. In a snow-covered city, characters dressed in heavy winter gear perform a deadpan, silent dance.
The contrast between the serious survival setting and the unexpected, humorous choreography creates a surreal and comedic effect.
Upopoy CM "Pirika na Jikan" (Panoramic Lobby, 30 sec Ver.) (2020)
https://youtu.be/zpkwRSt4ks4?si=Dg454dtV9oXrMVZZ
This commercial promotes Upopoy, the Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony located in Shiraoi, Hokkaido.
Set in a spacious, glass-walled lobby, people dressed in traditional Ainu attire perform a slow, graceful dance to gentle music. The natural light and serene choreography create a sacred and calming atmosphere.
哈勇家 (Hā yǒng jiā) / GAGA
https://youtu.be/VW3IuzoCHj4?si=Yx6xzG-rfohbI0Tc
This is the official trailer for the 2022 Taiwanese film Hā yǒng jiā. Set in a mountainous indigenous community, the story follows a warm and heartfelt family navigating tradition, identity, and generational bonds. The trailer features scenic landscapes, emotional moments, and cultural rituals, highlighting themes of resilience and love within Taiwan’s indigenous heritage.
Kamen Rider Gotchard: The Future Daybreak
https://youtu.be/SktQDVEcDYE?si=1w08PQU9erSuB13A
This is the final trailer for the Japanese film Kamen Rider Gotchard: The Future Daybreak. It features fast-paced action scenes, dramatic transformations, and intense confrontations between masked heroes and villains. The trailer highlights themes of destiny, courage, and the clash between past and future, all set within the signature high-energy style of the Kamen Rider franchise.