#Japan #Tokyo #Calorie Mate #Otsuka Pharmaceutical #Pixel Ribbon

Calorie Mate's New Web Commercial: "The Practice Everyone Dreads"

Calorie Mate, a popular nutritional food from Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., is set to unveil a new web commercial titled "The Practice Everyone Dreads" on May 14, 2026. This initiative aims to support club students in their nutritional needs so they can perform at their best during important competitions and games. The campaign stems from a vision to highlight the daily efforts of these students, showcasing their struggles and the essential role of balanced nutrition in their lives.

The 2026 theme revolves around the intense training sessions that most students would rather avoid. Through the lens of various club activities, the commercial will explore the invisible effort exerted by these aspiring athletes as they prepare for their ultimate goals, such as games or performances. Each club's challenging practices form the backdrop, while the emotional bonds and relationships that develop among team members take center stage. Calorie Mate is depicted as a supportive partner fueling these endeavors.

This year's communication plan involved extensive interviews with numerous club members, revealing a shared sentiment about the rigor of their training. Many students recounted specific practices that, just thinking about them, caused them to grimace. The phrases “that practice was tough” and “I really dislike this training” were recurrent, showcasing that these challenging experiences remain vivid in their memories. However, it became apparent that these moments are not solely burdensome; students expressed feelings of accomplishment, trust, and camaraderie cultivated during these trying times.

To provide an engaging soundtrack, the production utilized the debut commercial theme song "Mirai Routine" by the six-member girl idol group Pixel Ribbon, produced by popular YouTubers Ena-Pi from Mukuenna and Yuu-Piman from PKA. The song, composed by renowned hitmaker Hirotaka Hayakawa, features a bright and poppy sound that encapsulates the essence of perseverance during tough training sessions.

Key Highlights of the Commercial

• - Various club-specific challenging practices take center stage, showcasing the determination and expressions of participating students.
• - Pixel Ribbon makes its debut as a commercial music artist under the production guidance of popular YouTubers.
• - The energetic composition by Hirotaka Hayakawa adds a layer of inspiration to the narrative.

Overview of "The Practice Everyone Dreads"

The commercial's narrative begins with basketball team members dreading their coach's announcement about a rigorous training drill. As the captain's motivating shout echoes, the audience gets a glimpse into various clubs' grueling practices. These include baseball's sprints between poles, volleyball's challenging routines, and even the daunting ergometer training in the rowing club. The visuals capture students confronting their toughest training challenges, interspersed with their candid comments reflecting on the sheer difficulty of these drills.

As they tackle their most dreaded aspects of training, students speak about the importance of their teammates, whose presence bolsters their motivation. The finale emphasizes teamwork and support dynamics, exemplified by scenes where they struggle yet uplift one another, vowing, “I couldn't have done this alone.” The heartfelt message concludes that sharing the burden of tough training forges deep bonds, creating a sense of achievement when they collectively overcome these challenges.

Producer Comments

Hirotaka Hayakawa reflected on his own student experience in badminton, expressing hopes that the song could energize dedicated students navigating the pressures of their clubs. Similarly, the Pixel Ribbon members shared their excitement about being featured in the commercial and how personal experiences reflect in their performances.

Product Information

Launched in 1983, Calorie Mate is a balanced nutritional food containing vital nutrients, perfect for busy students and professionals alike. It's available in various formats and flavors, ensuring everyone can maintain their health effortlessly.

Watch the full version of the commercial here.