Kawai Yumi and Saito Kazuyoshi Come Together for Suntory Beer Event

On February 10, 2026, Suntory Inc. hosted the launch event for their new TV commercial featuring Kawai Yumi, marking her first appearance in an alcohol advertisement. The event also included a special performance by renowned singer Saito Kazuyoshi, who performed the CM song "Ue wo Muite Arukou."

The event featured Suntory's Executive Officer, Daisuke Tsukahara, who discussed the brand's strategy for the newly revamped Suntory Draft Beer. Tsukahara noted significant growth in the beer market, with a compelling 104% increase in sales compared to the previous year. As part of the company's marketing strategy, he emphasized the importance of customer expectations for a refreshing and smooth beer experience, aptly named "Shimiwataru Nodogoshi" (Refreshing Smoothness).

Following the presentation, Kawai Yumi took the stage, expressing her excitement about being the new face of Suntory Draft Beer. She shared, "I'm very happy to take on this role, especially because I’m a big fan of beer. There’s a sense of responsibility knowing I'm representing this newly revamped product."

The atmosphere lightened up when the MC duo from Shisonnu, Jirou and Shinnosuke, joined the stage, humorously reflecting on how they were chosen due to Kawai's admiration for their comedy performances. The audience enjoyed a delightful talk segment before the premiere of the new TV commercial featuring Kawai, embodying the essence of the drink; vibrant and fresh.

Kawai described the CM shoot as a memorable experience, mentioning the beautiful location and the joy of simply enjoying beer on-screen. Her energy resonated with the audience, who were eager to see how she brought the product to life.

As the event progressed, Kawai and the guests shared personal moments related to beer. Kawai reminisced about the best moments she cherished with beer, narrating a winter trip to Niigata where she savored a cold beer amidst a snowy backdrop. On the other hand, Saito recounted his tours, highlighting how the final night beer taste brought an exhilarating sense of freedom.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the moment when they all raised their glasses in celebration. "Let’s have a toast to the new Suntory Draft Beer!" Kawai announced, warmly inviting everyone to join in. Both she and Saito tasted the revitalized drink, Raving about the refreshing and smooth flavor again.

The commitment from Suntory to provide not just a beverage but an experience continues to resonate with consumers, as showcased by the enthusiasm surrounding Kawai and Saito's debut presentations.

The newly released TV commercial, dubbed "Shimiwataru Ao" (Refreshing Blue), will begin airing nationwide from February 16, proving to be an exciting pillar for Suntory's continuous innovation in the beer market. Stay tuned and experience the refreshing smoothness that Suntory Draft Beer promises to deliver!

Event Summary

- Event Name: Suntory Inc. New CM Launch for Suntory Draft Beer
- Date: February 10, 2026
- Attendees: Daisuke Tsukahara, Kawai Yumi, Saito Kazuyoshi, Jirou, and Shinnosuke from Shisonnu.