Legendary Return from Nissin Donbei: Riho Yoshioka and Norio Wakamoto Join Forces!
Japan's instant noodle giant Nissin has made an announcement that has fans excited for its Donbei commercial series, which has become a cultural phenomenon. Titled "The Return of Dongitsune," the new commercial is set to air across Japan on April 24th. This new campaign brings back the series' most beloved face, actress Riho Yoshioka, in the role of the iconic fox girl, while the legendary voice of the anime world, Norio Wakamoto, takes the narrator's seat.
The biggest surprise of the commercial is undoubtedly Norio Wakamoto taking on the narration. Wakamoto, who has brought unforgettable characters to life such as Cell in Dragon Ball Z, Vicious in Cowboy Bebop, and Charles zi Britannia in Code Geass, adds a completely different atmosphere to the commercial with his unique dramatic and deep vocal tone. The master artist's narration describes the rich broth flavor of Donbei like an epic saga, offering viewers both a nostalgic and epic experience.
So, why is this news so important? Nissin Donbei commercials are seen in Japan not just as commercial films, but as a part of popular culture. The Dongitsune series, which began in 2017, tells the story of a man and a fox spirit that emerges from the noodles he eats. This character, played by Riho Yoshioka, became so popular that over time, anime versions produced by Studio Colorido and variations featuring different celebrities were made. However, for fans, Yoshioka has always remained the "real" fox girl.
This comeback also parallels the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Nissin Donbei. The brand has recently revolutionized the marketing world with collaborations with major anime series such as Baki, Spy x Family, and One Piece. This new campaign, which will begin on April 24th, both pays tribute to old fans and strengthens the brand's bond with the anime community by including one of the most iconic voices in the anime world. If you would like to hear quality voice acting accompanied by a bowl of hot udon, this commercial is for you!
