#Japan #Tokyo #The Park #Kenichi Mikawa #Toshio Katsuyo

The New TV Commercial for The Park

Starting July 21, 2025, a new TV commercial for the coin parking service "The Park" will air, featuring renowned singer Kenichi Mikawa. The commercial, titled "From the Gaps of the Land," highlights innovative ways to utilize unused land effectively.

Mikawa portrays the character Toshio Katsuyo, who humorously proposes the many benefits of turning vacant lots into functional parking spaces. Launched by Daiichikosho Co., Ltd. back in 2016, The Park has grown to approximately 4,000 facilities across Japan as of June 2025, showcasing a deep connection with local communities through its business approach.

The first commercial of the series, released in 2023, received a positive response, prompting the creation of this second installment. The new ad focuses on overlooked spaces like gaps between buildings and vacant areas on the ground floor of apartment complexes. Through clever props and comedic scenes, it illustrates security and reliability for landowners, emphasizing how The Park can unlock the true value of their land.

In the new advertisement, Mikawa is shown using a magnifying glass to spot unused land and subsequently proposing its transformation into parking spaces. The commercial also depicts the advantages of stability and hassle-free property management for landowners, employing light-hearted elements, such as catching a balloon labeled "management troubles," to communicate these points effectively. At its conclusion, a "full" sign from The Park reinforces the trustworthiness of their services.

Daiichikosho aims to enhance the availability of The Park facilities, striving to create richer local communities through their commitment to adapting parking solutions to suit regional needs.

Kenichi Mikawa: A Brief Profile

Kenichi Mikawa made his film debut in 1965 and rose to fame with the hit song "Yanagase Blues" in 1967. Known for his unique character and talent, he has released numerous popular tracks since then, such as "Sasoriza no Onna." As a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, he embarks on celebrating his 60th anniversary of being a singer with a new single launching on September 25, 2024. Additionally, he has transitioned into social media, gaining attention on Instagram, blogs, and YouTube since 2020.

About the Commercial

Title: "From the Gaps of the Land" (15 seconds)

Starring: Kenichi Mikawa

Air Date: July 21, 2025

Broadcast Regions: Kansai, Chukyo, Hokkaido, Iwate, Miyagi, Niigata, Ishikawa, Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kagawa, Ehime, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima

Story Overview

The commercial begins with Mikawa searching for vacant spaces using a magnifying glass. He points out potential parking areas among buildings and vacant spots in residential buildings, conveying the charm of steady income through consolidated leases. He humorously captures a balloon that reads "management troubles," further emphasizing the reliability of The Park's services. The latter part of the ad features visuals reinforcing the message of turning property into valuable assets.

Filming Insights

Mikawa approached the shoot with dedication, paying close attention to instructions on using props and rehearsing balance scenes on a seesaw. A humorous moment occurred when he noted how his eyes looked during playback, showcasing his comedic timing. Overall, the atmosphere during filming was warm and inviting, aided by Mikawa's engaging personality.

Interview with Kenichi Mikawa

Q: How did it feel to reprise your role as Toshio Katsuyo after two years?
A: It's been gratifying to hear such positive feedback when I visit local areas. I was eager for a new version, so I was thrilled when the opportunity arose.

Q: What are your thoughts on the potential for utilizing vacant land for parking?
A: Many areas are currently redeveloping, so I see great value in using those spaces wisely. That's why I'm enthusiastic about playing Toshio Katsuyo.

Q: How's your balance on the seesaw?
A: I used to have great balance, but not anymore as I've aged. It's a bit frustrating.

Q: Do you enjoy karaoke in your free time?
A: I used to go because my friends ran a local snack bar, but that’s no longer an option. Karaoke is fun, though!

Q: Any advice for those watching the commercial?
A: Look forward to the new version of Toshio Katsuyo. It's a different experience than the last one, so I hope you pay attention!”

For more information about The Park, visit their official website: The Park Official Site