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 TV commercials [January 2025] (11–20)

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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Audi A3 Sportback “Unleash a new kind of individuality.”

[Audi A3 Sportback] TV commercial / Unleash a new kind of individuality. The new Audi A3 Sportback [Audi Japan]

Featuring a car speeding through the city streets, this urban-themed piece is a commercial introducing the A3 Sportback.

The narration, which focuses on the sporty exterior and speaks to the theme of individuality, is particularly striking.

It’s a sophisticated commercial that faithfully captures Audi’s brand image.

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CHANEL SPRING-SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION

CHANEL SPRING-SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION

This commercial introduces Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2025 cosmetics.

A model holding the products appears with flawlessly done makeup.

She shows up on the left and right sides of the screen wearing different looks, highlighting the breadth of the product lineup.

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DIC AI Rihō Oka “Appearance” Version / “Talking with Semiconductors” VersionRiho Yoshioka

"AI DIC Riho Oka Appears" Version 15 Seconds [DIC Corporation]

“AI DIC Riho Oka Talks with a Semiconductor” Version, 15 Seconds [DIC Corporation]

This is a commercial introducing DIC’s business in chemotronics materials.

Riho Yoshioka appears as AI DIC Oka Riho, presenting the idea that as semiconductor materials evolve, AI evolves as well.

The commercial has a unique worldview, yet it somehow keeps your attention all the way to the end.

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Latest Commercials [January 2025] (21–30)

ECC “Now Enrolling ECC Junior Students: Soar with English.” / “Now Enrolling ECC Senior Students: Soar through Learning.”Shohei Ohtani

ECC Junior Student Recruitment - Shohei Ohtani: Soar in English. (15 seconds)

ECC Senior Student Recruitment: Shohei Ohtani — Soar Through Learning (15 seconds)

These are ECC Junior and ECC Senior commercials featuring Shohei Ohtani.

Each one encourages English learning for children and for older adults, and Ohtani’s gentle way of speaking is memorable.

In particular, in the “ECC Senior Enrollment: Learn and Soar” version, his words that empathize with the students’ feelings leave a very positive impression.

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