#Japan #Tokyo #Suntory #Aoi Yu #Shota Sometani

Aoi Yu and Shota Sometani at the New Suntory Whiskey Kakubin TV-CM Launch Event

Suntory recently revitalized its iconic Kakubin whiskey TV commercial after a decade, with plans for a grand rollout across the nation starting July 21, 2025. The standout of the new campaign is Aoi Yu, cast as the bar owner, while Shota Sometani, Satomi Kobayashi, and Yojiro Noda also step in as the guests. This new chapter sees Aoi Yu becoming the 4th generation of proprietors in a beloved series that started back in 2009. A launch event held on July 16, 2025, saw both Aoi Yu and Shota Sometani in attendance, engaging in lively discussions about the campaign.

As part of the promotional festivities, they exchanged fun anecdotes on subjects like cherished moments over Kakuhai cocktails, with Aoi saying, "I want to enjoy time drinking with my co-stars after screenings," and Sometani expressing, "I'd like to savor a drink while basking in the satisfaction after we wrap up filming."

The new commercial, titled "Hajimari" (Beginning), marks a significant cultural refresh for the brand. The evening included a live showcase of the commercial and a heartfelt video message from singer Yojiro Noda, known for the accompanying jingle "Do you like whiskey?".

Stepping Into the Role as a New Owner

Aoi Yu, donning a trademark yellow apron, confidently took to the stage as the 4th generation owner. Her excitement was palpable as she stated, "Hello everyone! I'm Aoi Yu, excited to assume the mantle of this iconic bar owner role for the Kakubin Whiskey commercial series. It's an honor!"

She recounted a delightful coincidence; the night prior to her receiving the offer, she had enjoyed Kakuhai cocktails with friends, reflecting on the line from the commercial's tune. This serendipity heightened her joy upon being selected for the role.

In her heartfelt speech, Aoi expressed her hopes to carry on the legacy of the previous owners and emphasized the importance of delivering the deliciousness of Kakuhai cocktails: "Being the face of the brand is both exhilarating and humbling. It's a responsibility I will embrace and strive to pass down to the future 5th generation owner," she remarked.

Celebrating Tradition with the Iconic Yellow Apron

To commemorate her new role, Aoi received a symbolic yellow apron from Akira Oda, department head at Suntory Spirits. He warmly stated, "Thank you for taking on the challenge of being our 4th generation owner! Here’s the historic yellow apron that previous owners have worn." Wearing the iconic apron, Aoi felt a deep connection to the brand's heritage: "Putting this apron on makes me feel more committed than ever; working alongside those who upheld the tradition of Kakuhai cocktail making is a privilege. I promise to represent the brand’s essence faithfully and spread the joy of Kakuhai to many."

Unexpected Guest Appearance by Shota Sometani

While Aoi was preparing for the festivities, Shota Sometani made a surprise appearance as a customer in the new commercial. Upon greeting guests, he expressed, "Hello everyone! I’m Shota Sometani, appearing as a customer in the new Kakubin commercial. Looking forward to sharing this moment with you all!" The atmosphere turned nostalgic as both stars shared stories about their filming experiences.

The behind-the-scenes footage showed an amiable atmosphere, with Aoi noting how the director, experienced in various genres, created an enjoyable filming pace. Sometani echoed her sentiments, sharing how the set felt serene and uplifting, enhancing their ability to perform comfortably.

Crafting the Perfect Kakuhai Cocktail

In a light-hearted demonstration, Aoi took up the task of making the "Happy Kakuhai" cocktail for Sometani. As she detailed the intricate methods she learned from professional bartenders, the audience admired her skills. With Sometani playfully encouraging, Aoi managed to create a delightful drink that embodied the warm spirit of the occasion.

Upon completion, a toast was proposed: "May everyone find happiness in your moments! Cheers to the Happy Kakuhai!" As they celebrated, both Aoi and Shota expressed delight in the drink, associating it with joyful times.

The Birth of a New Bar: Kiiro

Following the toast, an exciting announcement came when Aoi unveiled the bar's name: "Kiiro" (Yellow). Shota praised its endearing nature, commenting, "What a charming name! It’s both vivid and heartwarming. The handcrafted sign really adds to the delightful touch!"

Aoi shared her aspirations for the establishment, saying, "I want to create a place that everyone loves, where we can all enjoy Kakuhai together."

Shota encouraged attendees to embrace the little moments of happiness amidst busy lives, prompting Aoi to conclude with gratitude for everyone’s participation.

Hitting the Streets with Promotions

On the same day, the event escalated to the streets of Tokyo at the Shimbashi Station West Exit, where a promotional team handed out special posters while showcasing clips from the new commercial. The dynamic presentation drew much attention from commuters, further stirring excitement around the new commercial series.

As the beloved Baader attempt runs into its new phase, Aoi Yu is not just an actress but an ambassador for moments of happiness through the art of cocktail making, inviting audiences to relish the warmth of Kakuhai cocktails in their lives.