A comprehensive introduction to Hyogo Prefecture’s local TV commercials: a collection of ads loved by the community
Have you ever turned on the TV and found a phrase or image that just stuck in your mind? In Hyogo Prefecture, there are many local commercials that residents can’t help but hum along to.
The charm of local commercials lies in the unique atmosphere and familiarity of a place—something you won’t encounter on national broadcasts.
In this article, we’ll be showcasing a wide variety of local commercials from Hyogo.
From nostalgic classics to distinctive ones you may be seeing for the first time, we’ve gathered a broad selection for you to enjoy at your leisure!
A roundup of Hyogo Prefecture’s local TV commercials. A collection of beloved hometown ads (1–10)
Hamaya Buddhist AltarsNEW!
Among Kansai local commercials, Hamaya’s ad is one of those that makes you want to sing along.
In fact, it’s a Hyogo-based company with its headquarters in Himeji City.
I’m sure many people in the Kansai region have that “Obutsudan no Hamaya~” sound logo ingrained in their bodies.
Hamaya produces various versions of its commercials, but this one stands out for its cute animation.
Otafuku sauceNEW!Tetsuo Hara
Speaking of Kansai sauce makers, it’s got to be Oliver Sauce from Kobe, right? This is a version featuring Tetsuo Hara, who served as the commercial’s face for many years.
They say the commercials with Hara began airing in 1976.
After that, comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo also appeared in the ads, and for us Kansai folks there were plenty of eye-catching commercials.
This one also uses a humorous touch—the scene where Hara calls into the sauce bottle, “President, President!?” really makes you want to chime in with a witty comeback.
Sun TelevisionNEW!
If you’re from Hyogo Prefecture, you’ve probably seen commercials from Sun Television, the local broadcaster.
In particular, many people are familiar with the phrase “Oh! Sun TV.” In these commercials, Sun TV’s character named Oh! Sun appears, exuding a delightfully weird-cute vibe and showing a rich array of expressions.
The more you watch, the more that exquisite atmosphere grows on you, doesn’t it?
Hotel New AwajiNEW!
This is a commercial introducing Hotel New Awaji, renowned for its superb location with sweeping views of the sea around Awaji Island.
It highlights hot springs and dining while gazing at the ocean, vividly conveying the unique sense of exhilaration that only New Awaji offers.
The smiles of guests enjoying the hotel and the staff who support them emphasize the fun, welcoming atmosphere.
The closing jingle is also a key element—the distinctive intonation ensures the name sticks in your ears.
Yamasa KamabokoNEW!
This is a commercial that introduces Yamasasa Kamaboko’s shop “Yumesenkan” in Himeji, Hyogo, with a grand atmosphere.
It first shows clear views of the shop and factory exteriors, then takes us inside to highlight the range of products on offer.
By featuring premium items like gift-ready conger eel kamaboko, it conveys that there’s something for a wide audience to enjoy.
The gentle background music and singing also emphasize a friendly, approachable feel.
Itami SangyoNEW!
This is a rice commercial from Itami Sangyo, headquartered in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture.
The commercial promotes how they use their own technology to pack rice deliciously.
Speaking of Itami Sangyo, the sound logo “Ii ne, ii ne, Itami-mai” heard in this ad is quite memorable.
By the way, although Itami Sangyo is strongly associated with rice, they’re involved in various businesses, including energy ventures such as gas and electricity.
Himeji Central ParkNEW!
This is a cheerful commercial that conveys the appeal of Himeji Central Park, a theme park that combines a zoo and an amusement park.
It features a small car zipping past animals, effectively highlighting the fun of seeing a wide variety of creatures.
The quick cuts between different scenes convey the park’s spaciousness and suggest the many experiences available.
The lively song is another highlight; paired with event announcements, it creates an uplifting, exciting feel.