Celebrating 100 Years of Meiji Chocolate with a Valentine’s Touch
As Valentine's Day approaches, Meiji Co., Ltd. is excited to reveal its latest TV commercial titled "meiji♡FRUITS ZIPPER 〜Pure Feelings With Pure Chocolate〜" featuring the popular idol group FRUITS ZIPPER. This campaign marks a special moment as Meiji Milk Chocolate celebrates its 100th anniversary in September 2026. The commercial will debut on January 30, 2026, encouraging heartwarming expressions of love through chocolate.
Embracing Pure Connections
With handmade chocolates gaining popularity, nearly 40% of people are now choosing to express their feelings not just to romantic partners, but also to friends and family. This trend reinforces Japan's Valentine's Day as a cherished cultural celebration. The Meiji Milk Chocolate, made from six carefully selected ingredients and without plant-based oils, meets stringent quality standards, embodying the spirit of true affection as part of the "NEW OKASHI PROJECT." This initiative aims to transform seasonal events through delightful confections, promoting the message: "Send Pure Feelings with Pure Chocolate!"
The TV commercial showcases varying aspects of love—from a daughter calling her mother to friends enjoying their time together, all set to the catchy song "Hapichoco." Each member of FRUITS ZIPPER represents different feelings and affinities, reinforcing the conclusion that chocolate is a powerful means to convey heartfelt emotions that words may fail to express.
Candid Moments and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
In an interview after filming, member Manaka shared, "As the third-year ambassador for Meiji Omatsuri, I've found myself peeking into chocolate sections with a mix of excitement and shyness." The group also conducted a fun internal survey, revealing that Hayase was voted as the most "pure" member by her peers. The members humorously compared each other's personalities to various types of chocolate, culminating in a light-hearted debate about their chocolate identities, enriching the camaraderie within the group.
The upcoming commercial also includes interactive elements where each member will share personal feelings alongside chocolates in a series of web videos starting February 1.
Promotional Highlights and Tasty Recipes
Accompanying the new campaign, Meiji has curated a delightful selection of Valentine’s chocolate recipes that are easy to make at home, such as colorful decorative chocolates, chocolate brownies with a twist, and elegant truffle recipes. These crafts serve as perfect gifts to share with loved ones, allowing people to embrace the spirit of Valentine's Day uniquely.
Additionally, from January 30 to February 1, an exclusive outdoor advertising campaign will take place around Tokyo Dome to engage fans alongside FRUITS ZIPPER’s first concert. Print advertisements will also appear in prominent newspapers, spreading Valentine’s cheer through creative designs and heartfelt messages from the idol group.
Participate in the 100th Anniversary Giveaway
To mark the 99th anniversary of Meiji Milk Chocolate, a unique giveaway campaign will launch on February 2. Participants can enter to win various nostalgic prizes representing different eras through purchases of specified Meiji chocolate items. This initiative not only celebrates a century of chocolate excellence but also invites consumers to reflect on the evolution of Meiji’s confections through the ages.
In conclusion, Meiji Milk Chocolate and FRUITS ZIPPER are committed to spreading joy and love during this Valentine’s season, underscoring that pure emotions deserve pure chocolates. Join the celebration and express your sentiments deliciously this February!