When you turn on the TV, a familiar melody or a catchy phrase from the Akai Kitsune commercial suddenly sticks in your ear.
Because it’s been on the air for so many years, many of you have probably felt a sense of nostalgia, or noticed a new version and thought, “Huh, did it change?” Even as the cast and direction evolve with the times, its soothing, comforting vibe remains the same—that’s part of its charm.
In this article, we’ll look back on and introduce various Akai Kitsune commercials.
We hope you enjoy it.
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Red Kitsune and Green Tanuki commercials: a lineup of masterpieces featuring Tetsuya Takeda and an all-star cast (1–10)
Toyo Suisan Maruchan “Akai Kitsune, Midori no Tanuki: Year-End Gathering” VersionTetsuya Takeda, Akihiro Kakuta (Tokyo 03), Hiroaki Ogi (OgiYahagi)
This commercial features Tetsuya Takeda, Hiroaki Ogi, and Akihiro Kakuta, introducing not only New Year’s soba but also recommending New Year’s udon.
However, the ad opens with a striking line from Ogi: “Why Kakuta?” When Kakuta responds, “Why are you saying that out of nowhere?” Ogi says he wants to see his partner YAHAGI for New Year’s: “I’d like to see Yahagi on New Year’s.” Riding that flow of conversation, Kakuta passionately argues, “Soba is the standard for New Year’s, but udon works too.
By the same logic, a New Year’s Kakuta works, right?” But his plea falls flat—Takeda joins Ogi in saying, “I want to see Yahagi.” The result is a commercial that makes you laugh at the perfectly synced banter between Ogi and Takeda, even as you can’t help but feel sorry for Kakuta, who’s treated so offhandedly throughout.
Toyo Suisan Maruchan “Red Kitsune, Green Tanuki” – Autumn Camping EditionTetsuya Takeda, Hiroshi
Here’s a commercial showing people eating “Akai Kitsune” while camping.
The familiar Tetsuya Takeda appears, along with the go-to name for camping in the entertainment world, Hiroshi.
As the two of them eat Akai Kitsune made with water boiled over a campfire, Takeda tells Hiroshi the secret behind its delicious taste.
However, Hiroshi single-mindedly keeps eating.
In the end, he boldly tells his senior, “Oh, I wasn’t listening.” Rather than getting angry, Takeda repeats the same line.
It’s a commercial that makes you feel a bit sorry for Takeda, yet find him utterly endearing.
Toyo Suisan Maruchan “Red Kitsune and Green Tanuki ‘Marriage’ Edition”Tetsuya Takeda, Kumiko Aso
This commercial depicts Tetsuya Takeda visiting a place called the Red Kitsune and Green Tanuki Memory Museum, where he looks back on past memories.
In the flashback scenes, a young Takeda appears, with Kumiko Aso giving a passionate performance as his wife.
While eating Red Kitsune, whose delicious taste has remained unchanged for many years, he reflects on his child’s marriage.
It’s a heartwarming commercial that conveys the soothing, soul-comforting flavor of the product.
Toyo Suisan Maruchan Akai Kitsune Midori no Tanuki ‘Late-Night Snack Operation’ VersionTetsuya Takeda, Kumiko Aso, Jiro (Shisonnu)
This commercial depicts Tetsuya Takeda and Jiro sneaking behind Kumiko Aso’s back to eat Akai Kitsune late at night.
They quietly get up in the middle of the night, make sure Aso is asleep, and start boiling water in the kitchen.
Careful not to make a sound, they finally begin to eat—only to blurt out in delight at how delicious it is, getting caught by Aso in the end.
The two are clumsy yet lovable, making for a heartwarming scene, and the spot leaves a strong impression of the guilty thrill of late-night snacking and the tastiness of Akai Kitsune.
Toyo Suisan Maruchan Akai Kitsune Midori no Tanuki “The Two Who Can’t Go Home – Year-End” VersionTetsuya Takeda, Kumiko Aso, Jiro (Shisonnu)
This commercial depicts a scene where Jiro and Kumiko Aso, a couple, finish their date but linger, reluctant to part even though it’s time to go home.
As they keep backing away while still facing each other, Kumiko suggests, “We won’t get home like this—let’s turn around on the count of three.” When they turn around on her cue, she suddenly dashes off and heads home.
It turns out she was eager to get back quickly to eat toshikoshi soba.
Takeda Tetsuya’s line to the left-behind Jiro—“Sorry about my Kumiko”—adds a nice touch of humor.
Toyo Suisan Maruchan Akai Kitsune Midori no Tanuki “Tears and the Payphone” EditionTetsuya Takeda, Kumiko Aso, Jiro (Shisonnu)
It’s a commercial with a memorable, trendy-drama-style presentation.
The heroine is played by Kumiko Aso, her counterpart is Jiro from the comedy duo Sissonne, and Tetsuya Takeda appears as Aso’s father.
At the beginning of the commercial, Aso calls Jiro in tears, and Jiro immediately tries to rush to her.
However, he was in the middle of boiling water to eat Akai Kitsune.
Just when you’d expect him to head out right away, Jiro starts eating the Akai Kitsune instead.
It’s a commercial that unexpectedly takes a humorous turn and can’t help but make you laugh.
Toyo Suisan Maruchan Akai Kitsune Midori no Tanuki “Midwinter Kamakura” VersionTetsuya Takeda, Tomiei Drum
It’s a memorable commercial featuring Tetsuya Takeda and Tomisaka Drum eating Akai Kitsune in Kamakura.
As Takeda says, “It tastes even better in the chilly season,” Tomisaka keeps eating with an irresistibly delicious look.
After finishing the noodles and drinking the broth to the last drop, he looks thoroughly satisfied.
Seeing this, Takeda says, “Your face says it all,” and Tomisaka responds with a thumbs-up.
Though Tomisaka has no spoken lines, his expressions and gestures do a great job of conveying how delicious Akai Kitsune is.