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[Oita Mugi Shochu Nikaido] A collection of nostalgic past commercials
Nikaido is a shochu made in Oita Prefecture using 100% barley.
Nikaido’s commercials have been airing since 1987, with a new one released every year.
They hardly ever show product introductions or drinking scenes; instead, they’re characterized by artistic visuals that strikingly capture nature, townscapes, and everyday scenery from various regions.
What’s even more iconic—so much so that it defines “a Nikaido commercial”—is the narration with its unique atmosphere.
Evoking nostalgia and speaking straight to the heart, these commercials have built a devoted following since they first began airing.
In this article, we’ll catalog Nikaido’s commercials and introduce their distinctive worldview.
[Oita Mugi Shochu Nikaido] Compilation of Nostalgic Historical Commercials (1–10)
Nikaido Shuzo Oita Barley Shochu Nikaido “Toward the Night” Version
This commercial conveys, through visuals and words, a sense of contemplation toward the moon gently illuminating the night town.
By depicting the moon not only alongside natural scenery such as the sea and sky, but also in homes and stage sets, it communicates the close relationship between people and the moon.
The light, rhythmic BGM “Namban Planetta (Planet)” is also striking, evoking the moon’s gentle glow and the slow passage of nighttime.
Finally, by highlighting the product name “Oita Mugi Shochu Nikaido,” it suggests a desire for the brand to be casually incorporated into everyday life.
Nikaido Shuzo Oita Barley Shochu Nikaido ‘Red Brick of Memories’ Version
The Nikaido commercial “Red Brick of Memories,” which began airing in the fall of 2024.
As the title suggests, it features many red-brick buildings and captures that nostalgic atmosphere so characteristic of Nikaido’s ads.
The visuals, music, and narration all come together beautifully, creating a Nikaido commercial that really resonates with us—no wonder it has so many fans.
Nikaido Shuzo Oita Barley Shochu Nikaido “Time Alone – Journey” Version
This “Time Alone/Travel” installment also features moody visuals and superb copy, crafted to resonate only with adults who’ve gathered a fair amount of life experience.
You ride the train, have a drink while you’re on the move, wander through unfamiliar towns, eat at old-school diners… There’s nothing flashy about it, but this kind of solo trip, free and set apart from daily life, is bound to stir up all the travel itch and wistful melancholy in the viewer.
Watch it while savoring the richness of a pastime reserved for grown-ups.
Nikaido Shuzo Oita Barley Shochu Nikaido “Traveling Words” Edition
A warm, gentle commercial that focuses on words and letters that travel far beyond distance and time.
It portrays how words written in a letter continue to remain, paired with majestic natural landscapes that feel as if they’ve been on a journey.
The sound of the pen on paper is also a memorable touch.
Although “Oita Mugi Shochu Nikaido” is only read aloud at the very end, the mood of the visuals up to that point evokes an image of the brand’s accumulated history and its respect for the nature that sustains it.
Nikaido Shuzo Oita Barley Shochu Nikaido ‘Into the Depths of Dreams’ Version
The “Into the Depths of a Dream” segment makes you feel as if you’ve wandered into a world of mysterious tales.
The CM song that further enhances this uncanny atmosphere was created by Nobuyuki Nakatani, known for producing numerous commercial songs.
A woman practicing ballet, a woman dressed in a white bridal kimono, and a woman putting on makeup appear, each expressing different lives.
Everyone has their own hometown, and perhaps when something happens, returning there will offer clues for life…
The story evokes just such a feeling.
Nikaido Shuzo Oita Barley Shochu Nikaido “Sigh of Water” Version
The “Sigh of Water” version features the soothing sound of a river flowing.
The music carried along by the water is a classical guitar arrangement of “Córdoba, Op.
232-4” from Songs of Spain.
Narration is by Junichi Sato, whose deep, warm voice enhances the commercial’s nostalgic mood.
All the rivers shown in the ad are located across Kyushu.
The commercial focuses on the sound of rivers that flow unchanged through both old townscapes and modern cities.
It’s a CM that makes you want to pause and listen to the river flowing near you.
Nikaido Shuzo Oita Barley Shochu Nikaido “Alone Time / Everyday” Version
Precisely because we live in an age where computers, smartphones, and the internet are the norm, many people can’t help but feel drawn to this kind of analog worldview.
The “Alone Time / Everyday Life” segment features a man who keeps living in an old-fashioned way.
Relaxing at a retro café, soaking in a public bath… There’s no rule that says you have to live the modern lifestyle, right? It’s a commercial that makes you think, “Let’s live in a way that suits me.” It was filmed in Fukuoka, so if you live nearby, you might spot some familiar scenery.
