Donbei commercials: A look back at the most memorable ads over the years
When you’re watching TV, those Donbei commercials really leave an impression with their unique worldbuilding and catchy phrases that draw you in, don’t they? With their distinctive direction, casting, and absurd humor, many people probably find themselves thinking, “It’s on again!” before they know it.
In this article, we’ll be showcasing a wide range of Donbei commercials.
From nostalgic classics to the recent spots that got everyone talking, we’ll share the appeal of each—so please enjoy.
Donbei commercials: A look back at the most memorable ads through the years (1–10)
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei ‘Yes, with pleasure — Right after the M-1, it’s a just-in-time Donbei’ version
This is an introductory commercial for the “Strongest Donbei” that aired at the end of 2024.
Its appeal lies in the special touch of promoting Strongest Donbei using a parody of ‘Hai Yorokonde,’ a signature song by Kento from Kocchi no.
Not only the background music but also the visuals are modeled after the music video for that track.
The original version of ‘Hai Yorokonde’ sung in this commercial was released in May 2024 and was reportedly created based on his own experiences with bipolar disorder.
With its upbeat, catchy melody and accompanying choreography, the song became a major hit.
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “The Return of Dongitsune”NEW!Riho Yoshioka
This is the commercial that became a hot topic because Rihō Yoshioka reprised her role as the familiar “Don-Gitsune” from the Donbei ads for the first time in four years.
It introduces how different broths are used in eastern and western Japan, and Yoshioka taking a sip and letting out a relieved breath leaves a strong impression.
The BGM features a parody song with the catchy repeated lyrics “delicious broth,” and the original track is “Dragostea Din Tei” by O-Zone from Moldova.
Released in 2003, the song became a huge hit in Japan in 2004 and drew attention for its lyrics that, for some reason, sounded like Japanese.
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei ‘The Pro Donbei Is Out’ Version
This is a commercial that promotes Donbei Pro, which is high in protein and low in carbs, through energetic animation.
The deliciousness that makes you eat with gusto and the shock of its nutrition are expressed comically and boldly.
The song used in the commercial is a parody of Chiaki Mayumura’s “Kaodon,” whose music video also served as the basis for the ad.
The original track’s palpable power and sense of speed leave a strong impression, clearly conveying a high-energy vibe.
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “Goodbye, Dongitsune” VersionGen Hoshino, Riho Yoshioka
This time’s Nissin Donbei TV commercial is the “Goodbye, Dongitsune” edition.
In their usual room, Gen Hoshino eats Donbei with Dongitsune, played by Riho Yoshioka.
Just when they seem as happily content as ever, Dongitsune murmurs unvoiced words, and suddenly the room’s wall falls outward to reveal a vast snowy plain.
Only the kimono that Dongitsune had been wearing is left behind as the figure of a fox dashes off across the snowfield.
Even so, Hoshino keeps eating Donbei in the snow.
True to the CM’s title, it’s a suggestive, enigmatic turn of events.
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei ‘Second-String Donbei Donkaburi’ VersionYuriko Yoshitaka, Rikito Itagaki
A commercial that calls itself the “Second-string Donbei,” introducing Donbei flavors that aren’t the most mainstream but are still delicious.
It’s the kind of frank, self-deprecating presentation—calling their own product second-string—that you’d expect from Nissin.
In the ad, Rihito Itagaki and Yuriko Yoshitaka, who play the Don-Gitsune characters, point to their favorite Donbei on a cue of “Ready, go,” and when they end up choosing the same one, they look at each other.
It’s a heart-fluttering turn of events, and the way Itagaki seems to be playfully wrapped around Yoshitaka’s little finger is both endearing and cute.
Nissin Foods Donbei FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH “One-Winged Don Kitsune” Version
As part of a collaboration between Donbei and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Sephiroth appears as a “Don Kitsune” in a commercial.
While Sephiroth usually evokes the image of luring the protagonist Cloud into darkness, here he eerily urges Cloud to eat Donbei.
No matter how many times he’s refused, he keeps recommending it, and the sight of Cloud suffering under his words is played for laughs.
In the end, Cloud can’t resist and eats the Donbei, and the familiar recovery sound plays—subtly conveying how tasty it is.
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “Morning Donbei might be a thing” versionYuriko Yoshitaka, Rikito Itagaki
This commercial promotes Donbei as a perfect breakfast option.
When Yuriko Yoshitaka says, “I don’t want to do anything this morning,” Rihito Itagaki agrees.
They introduce a survey showing that 90% of people said they’d like to eat Donbei in the morning.
Yoshitaka imagines how well a warm, dashi-rich Donbei would suit a cold morning, and it seems breakfast for the day is decided.
However, in a humorous twist, Itagaki realizes he forgot to bring the Donbei and goes to fetch it from the storage room.