Lovely commercial jingle

Donbei commercials: A look back at the most memorable ads over the years

Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.

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: Introducing the most memorable ads through the years (11–20)

Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “Everyone’s Dongitsune” VersionGen Hoshino, Riho Yoshioka, Kogaken, Kubo-ta from Tora Salmon

NISSIN Donbei commercial: “Everyone’s Dongitsune” version, 15 seconds

This is the Donbei TV commercial, “Everyone’s Dongitsune.” Hoshino Gen says, “I’m happy we can eat New Year’s soba together,” smiling at a “Dongitsune” played by Yoshioka Riho sitting right in front of him.

But in the next room, Toromaru Salmon’s Kubota, eating kitsune udon, is also facing a Dongitsune who smiles and says, “Nya.” Is Dongitsune a twin? A clone? The ending shots are eerie, showing people who seem to be monitoring Hoshino, Dongitsune, and Kubota across numerous screens.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “Goodbye, Dongitsune” VersionRiho Yoshioka, Gen Hoshino

NISSIN Donbei Commercial: “Goodbye, Dongitsune” (15 seconds)

This commercial features Riho Yoshioka appearing as the “Don-Gitsune” alongside Gen Hoshino, conveying the appeal of Donbei through their interactions.

Up to this point, the two had been chatting about Donbei, but here, the home set opens up and the Don-Gitsune runs off into the distance.

Watching Gen Hoshino keep eating Donbei as snow falls evokes not only deliciousness but also a touch of melancholy.

Although the storyline is abrupt, the way it highlights Donbei’s charm in the small details makes it a comical ad.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “Mornings go Don! Don-do-don!” EditionNEW!Hollywood Zakoshisyoh

Nissin Donbei “Morning is Don! Don-do-don! Version” 30 seconds / Hollywood Zakoshisho

This commercial, featuring Hollywood Zakoshisyoh, is for Nissin’s Donbei, and the direction and song probably feel familiar, don’t they? In fact, it’s a parody—or rather a complete recreation—of Fujipan’s “Honshikomi” commercial! Hollywood Zakoshisyoh’s over-the-top performance, which you’d never expect to be recreating Yuki Matsushita from the Honshikomi ads, is guaranteed to make you laugh.

By the way, Fujipan’s official account brought up this ad on X, and among viewers there’s growing anticipation that “Fujipan might parody Nissin’s commercial next.”

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem