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Nissin Cup Noodles commercials: A roundup of buzzworthy ads featuring outlandish, over-the-top direction.

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Nissin Cup Noodles, a classic product that’s practically synonymous with instant ramen, is something many people have probably tried at least once.

In this article, we’ll be introducing some of those familiar Cup Noodles commercials!

When it comes to Nissin Cup Noodles ads, their defining feature is definitely their over-the-top, outlandish direction.

Sometimes you might even think, “Isn’t this going a bit too far?”—but that bold approach is what makes them so entertaining, and they’ve got lots of fans.

We’ve gathered a bunch of commercials that have aired over the years, so take this opportunity to check them out again.

Nissin Cup Noodles commercials. A roundup of the buzzworthy ads with outlandish direction (1–10)

Nissin Foods Cup Noodles: “Low-Sodium Pro is out now”

NISSIN CUP NOODLE PRO Commercial: 'Reduced Salt PRO Released – Nice to meet you, I’m Matsuo Hajime • Chiaki Mayumura' Version, 30 seconds

This is a commercial introducing the reduced-sodium version of Cup Noodles.

The product is showcased using a parody of Chiaki Mayumura’s familiar “Kao-don” song from Cup Noodles ads.

The catchy “Kao-don” melody that sticks in your head after one listen, combined with the animation of characters appearing in the music video, comes together to create a commercial with a truly one-of-a-kind presence.

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Nissin Foods Cup Noodles: ‘The Green Onion Salt Aliens Appear’

NISSIN CUP NOODLE Negi-Shio Commercial “The Green Onion Salt Aliens Appear” 15 Seconds

Both cute and somehow a little pitiful—that’s the vibe of Cup Noodles’ “Negi-Shio Alien Appears” spot.

In this commercial, characters personifying the various Cup Noodles flavors take center stage.

The SIO flavor waves to the others with tears in its eyes, and then the newly launched Negi-Shio flavor kicks him away and strikes a signature pose.

Paired with the laid-back original song, the whole thing has a wistful feel.

It’s also amusing how they self-deprecatingly introduce their own product as “not selling well.”

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Nissin Foods Cup Noodles “Please stay calm and listen” Version

Nissin version / original version: Please listen calmly.

Many of Nissin’s commercials are quite entertaining, and I’m sure some of you are keeping an eye on them.

In this series of commercials, they dub over the opening sequence of the popular game METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN to introduce the newly released premium Cup Noodles.

It’s an especially fun set of ads for those familiar with the game.

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Nissin Cup Noodles commercials. A roundup of standout ads with over-the-top direction that’s creating a buzz (11–20).

Nissin Foods Cup Noodles “You Can Keep a Nya-odle” Edition

NISSIN CUP NOODLE CM 'You Can Keep a Meow-dle' 30s

Did you know there’s a drawing of a cat on the underside of the lid of Nissin Cup Noodles? This commercial announces a campaign where, if you photograph the cat on the underside of the lid with your smartphone, you can keep the cat on your phone.

A parody version of PEOPLE 1’s “Fropnik” is used as the BGM.

It’s a track with an unforgettable, addictive beat once you hear it!

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Nissin Foods Cup Noodles: “Cyber and Punk Negi-Shio”

Nissin Cup Noodles CM: 'Cyber and Punk Negi-Shio' Version, 30 Seconds

The Cup Noodles commercial “Cyber and Punky Negi Shio” has been drawing in viewers captivated by its deep storyline.

It’s a piece that depicts an epic tale set in the near future.

Driven by an intense rock song, futuristic visuals unfold on screen.

The track is Franz Ferdinand’s “This Fffire.” Its futuristic musicality is truly one of a kind.

If this piques your interest, try looking into the commercial’s detailed worldbuilding as well.

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Nissin Foods Cup Noodles “Figure Dance” Versionpistachio

NISSIN CUP NOODLE Spicy Noodles Commercial “Figure Dance” Version 30s ST

This commercial features a surreal world where figures modeled after the comedy duo Pistachio dance to an original song introducing Cup Noodles Spicy.

It’s striking to see the disbanded Pistachio reunited, and the way it’s presented here makes the laughter slowly bubble up.

The original track’s distinctive rhythm highlights the duo’s trademark facial expressions, making them come across as even more unique.

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Nissin Foods World Cup Noodles ‘So What Is It, Really? Laksa’ EditionMAX

NISSIN World CUP NOODLES Commercial: “So, what is it anyway? Laksa” 30-second version ST

This commercial introduces Singapore-style laksa, one of the most popular flavors in the global Cup Noodles lineup.

The CM uses MAX’s song “Tacata’,” swapping the titular word with “laksa” while explaining the dish.

By comparing it to familiar things, the ad conveys what it tastes like, yet never quite tells you exactly what laksa is—which is part of its appeal.

The flashy vibe, with dance by MAX and photo-like composites, makes it a unique spot that straightforwardly communicates the idea of “the unknown.”

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