In an endearing endeavor to connect generations through taste and nostalgia, Marukome Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of its 14th anime commercial, titled "The Taste of Ryotei: My Grandmother," set to air on January 17, 2026, on Tokyo MX. This new installment continues the tradition of highlighting familial bonds and the warmth of shared meals through the lens of miso soup.
Founded in 1982, the Ryotei no Aji brand was born from customer feedback, evolving into a leading name in both raw miso and instant miso soup categories. It has always been at the forefront of innovation in the industry, introducing dashi-infused miso to meet the changing lifestyles and preferences of its consumers. The brand’s offerings now include a diverse range of products such as liquid miso, additive-free miso, and freeze-dried granulated miso.
The commercial series, which began in 2014, conveys the emotional resonance of family through the simple act of enjoying miso soup together. The underlying concept revolves around the idea that the presence of miso soup in domestic scenes signifies warmth, love, and ties between family members. Each of the previous 13 episodes has successfully illustrated this theme, fostering a sense of connection that transcends distance and generations.
For the 14th installment, Marukome has once again collaborated with the award-winning animation production company Robot. This edition introduces us to Mai, a young employee at Marukome living in Tokyo, and her 97-year-old grandmother residing alone in Hokkaido. The narrative explores the nuances of their relationship as they navigate life’s challenges together, particularly as the grandmother finds herself increasingly dependent on others, prompting concern from Mai.
Despite her energetic spirit, the grandmother struggles with tasks like cooking and shopping as her independence wanes. In a heartfelt gesture, Mai sends her a care package containing Marukome products, including the new granulated miso soup with black seaweed. As the grandmother tastes it for the first time, she is pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness, expressing her joy in an endearing text message, “The miso soup tastes incredible!! As expected of you, Mai! Maybe living long is worth it after all.”
The commercial poignantly portrays the emotional exchange between the granddaughter and her grandmother, highlighting the comfort and love that can be found through food, especially miso soup, which serves as a medium for their communication. Each scene artfully captured in the animation allows viewers to reflect on their own familial bonds and the significance of shared meals.
The release of this commercial not only reinforces Marukome’s commitment to delivering high-quality products but also champions the values of family connection and love, reminding us all of the simple joys that food can bring to our lives. The heartwarming messages exchanged between Mai and her grandmother stand as a testament to how even in a fast-paced world, maintaining familial relationships is paramount.
For those eager to catch the commercial, it will be available for viewing on the Marukome website and on YouTube, where audiences can experience this heartfelt journey through anime. Mark your calendars for January 17, 2026, for the touching story of familial ties and flavorful miso soup, connecting generations through a delightful blending of tradition and modernity.