Lovely commercial jingle

[January 2025] A roundup of commercials that caught my attention

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Even after entering January 2025, a wave of buzzworthy commercials featuring famous actors and actresses has continued to appear.

From FamilyMart’s ad showcasing Kotaro Yoshida and Rikako Yagi with warm expressions, to JCB Platinum’s commercial highlighting Tori Matsuzaka’s smart presence, this month’s diverse lineup of visuals is capturing our hearts.

In this article, we’ll dive into the appeal of these latest commercials in detail, along with information about the cast and the featured songs.

Latest Commercials [January 2025] (1–10)

AC Japan ‘Connected (Support Campaign)’ VersionNarration: Yosuke Eguchi

AC Japan CM 2024 Support Campaign 'Connected' (Japan Heart)

This introduces the activities of Japan Heart, a volunteer organization that provides medical care in developing countries, particularly in Southeast Asia.

It shows Japanese doctors working overseas and local children.

Incidentally, the narration in this commercial is done by Yosuke Eguchi.

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AC Japan “Nakayama, check the pulse!” (Japan Heart Foundation)Nakayama Kinnikun

AC Japan CM 2024 Support Campaign: 'Nakayama, check your pulse!' (Japan Heart Foundation)

In this commercial, the comedian Nakayama Kinni-kun appears and delivers a memorable line, playing on his own name: “I’m Nakayama Kenmyaku-n!” The ad encourages people to check their pulse every day.

By doing daily pulse checks, it promotes the early detection of atrial fibrillation, which can lead to heart failure and stroke.

With a touch of humor—such as using his impressive muscles to explain what atrial fibrillation is—it conveys an important message.

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AC Japan “Yuchami’s Three Days (National Campaign)” VersionYuna Furukawa

AC Japan TV Commercial 2024 National Campaign: 'Yuchami’s Three Days'

At first glance, it looks like a segment checking what’s inside Yuuchami, aka Yuna Furukawa’s bag, but this commercial is actually introducing an emergency go-bag for disasters.

It features items useful in emergencies, such as a three-day supply of water, non-perishable foods, work gloves, and a helmet.

Since Japan is a country prone to earthquakes, it really reminds us that we need to be properly prepared before a major disaster strikes.

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Latest TV commercials [January 2025] (11–20)

AC Japan: “The Eye Frailty Song (Support Campaign)”

AC Japan CM 2024 Support Campaign “The Eye Frailty Song” (Japan Ophthalmologists Association)

This commercial raises awareness about eye frailty, a condition in which visual function declines.

Set to a parody of the children’s song “The Frog Chorus,” it explains what eye frailty is.

If you notice any problems with your eyes, visit an ophthalmologist promptly.

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AC Japan “Former Idol” VersionMasahiko Kondo

AC JAPAN Japan Society of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery TV Commercial: “Former Idol” Version (30 seconds)

In response to the fans answering his call, “Are you hyped?” Masahiko Kondo replies, “I can’t hear you.” This call-and-response is common at idol and musician concerts, but in this commercial, that scene serves as a cue to encourage people to get tested if they feel they’ve been asking others to repeat themselves or mishearing more often.

The humorous direction makes it an engaging message.

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AC Japan “Those who are saved become saviors. (Support Campaign)” EditionNarration: Kasumi Arimura

AC Japan CM 2024 Support Campaign: “Those Who Are Saved Become Saviors.” (Plan International Japan)

In this commercial narrated by Kasumi Arimura, the activities of Plan International Japan, an organization that addresses challenges faced by children overseas—especially girls—are introduced.

The commercial tells the story of a girl who was once unable to receive an education because of her gender, but thanks to Plan International Japan’s efforts, she was able to attend school and now works as a teacher.

It conveys the message that such support creates a growing chain of positive change.

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AC Japan ‘The Presumptive Detective Deka (National Campaign)’ EpisodeKyūsaku Shimada

AC Japan TV Commercial 2024 National Campaign: “The Judgmental Detective”

In this commercial, Hisaku Shimada plays a jump-to-conclusions detective character, warning viewers not to take information at face value—especially on social media.

Prompted by an SNS post, Shimada’s character identifies a suspect as the culprit, only for it to be revealed that the post was false.

Framed like a short drama, the ad carries the message: don’t believe and criticize information too quickly.

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