#Japan #Tokyo #Suntory #THE DRY #Ichiro Furuichi

The Struggles of Everyday Adults: THE DRY's New Web-CM Series

Suntory has officially launched its new ready-to-drink (RTD) brand, THE DRY, with an engaging Web commercial (CM) series set to release on October 23. This new line features two exciting flavors: Green Lemon and Grapefruit, both hitting the shelves on October 20. To celebrate this launch, renowned narrator Ichiro Furuichi brings an exciting element by providing commentary akin to that of professional wrestling, representing the daily struggles adults face.

The concept behind THE DRY is to cater to beer enthusiasts seeking a thrilling drinking experience that you can savor after enduring a long day. The Web-CM illustrates these “battles” of daily life through the eyes of busy professionals, mirroring the intensity of professional wrestling matches to depict the challenges they encounter.

A New Perspective on Daily Life

In this fresh Web-CM campaign, Furuichi delivers a racuous commentator voice that transforms mundane office scenes into an exhilarating match. Whether it's dealing with demanding bosses or multitasking in a supermarket, the scenarios depicted resonate with the daily grind many endure. Heroes of these tales are seen triumphantly coming home after a long workday and celebrating their victories with THE DRY, culminating in an explosive shout of "Daahh!!" that echoes the exhilaration of overcoming challenges.

The Commercial Series Breakdown

The Web-CM series illustrates the trials faced by two different characters: a corporate worker and a supermarket employee, all tied together by the vibrant narration of Ichiro Furuichi.

1. Corporate Floor Series: We see Shigeru Murata, played by actor Takayuki Hamatsu, grappling with unexpected challenges, such as unexpected meetings with the boss shortly before quitting time. Through Furuichi's commentary, viewers hear the unsaid thoughts of the characters, adding an extra layer of connection.
- Remote Meeting Episode: Murata prepares for a routine virtual meeting. With everyone else on mute, he faces an awkward situation while Furuichi provides animated narration.
- Strategic Meeting Episode: Murata is confronted with seemingly contradictory demands from his supervisors that lead him to a high-stakes dilemma. Furuichi's energy makes the challenges feel tangible.
- “Just 5 More Minutes” Episode: After a long day, Murata is stopped by the boss under the guise of a quick chat, leading to humorous portrayals of unproductive small talk, thrillingly narrated by Furuichi.

2. Supermarket Series: This series features Keiko Hanayama, played by actress Mariko Akama, as she juggles various customer requests and equipment troubles. Every hiccup in her day gets a comedic flair from Furuichi's commentary.
- Self-Checkout Episode: Keiko navigates a hectic scene where customers struggle with the self-checkout machine. Furuichi's spirited narration turns chaos into entertainment.
- Payment Method Episode: As she assists a customer confused by payment options, the subtle frustrations of retail work come to the surface through laughter-inducing commentary by Furuichi.
- Discount Chasing Episode: Anticipating more discounts, customers gather around Keiko, and the ensuing frenzy takes a dramatic turn through Furuichi's evocative delivery.

An Interview with Ichiro Furuichi

In a recent interview, Furuichi shared his thoughts about the commercial’s concept and his role. Upon learning about the script, he immediately sensed a tribute to the legendary Antonio Inoki, which resonated with his experience as an announcer. Furuichi noted the universal challenges working individuals face today, emphasizing how these scenarios can feel increasing exacerbated compared to previous generations.

Reflecting on his own experiences, he draws parallels between wrestling and work, stating that both require a transformation of mind and energy, especially to recharge from the trenches of daily life. "It’s essential to challenge oneself constantly,” he asserted, indicating that even the most mundane tasks have their moments of intense engagement.

Conclusion

With THE DRY, Suntory is not just reintroducing a drink, but a fresh narrative for adults. The challenges depicted are all too relatable, and the new exhilarating flavor promises to be the ideal reward after tackling the daily grind. With their entertaining Web-CM series narrated by Ichiro Furuichi, THE DRY is set to challenge conventional RTDs by promoting a unique “dry experience” that resonates with every hardworking adult.