Donbei commercials: A look back at the most memorable ads over the years
When you’re watching TV, those Donbei commercials really leave an impression with their unique worldbuilding and catchy phrases that draw you in, don’t they? With their distinctive direction, casting, and absurd humor, many people probably find themselves thinking, “It’s on again!” before they know it.
In this article, we’ll be showcasing a wide range of Donbei commercials.
From nostalgic classics to the recent spots that got everyone talking, we’ll share the appeal of each—so please enjoy.
Donbei commercials: A look back at the most memorable ads through the years (1–10)
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “Goodbye, Dongitsune” VersionGen Hoshino, Riho Yoshioka
This time’s Nissin Donbei TV commercial is the “Goodbye, Dongitsune” edition.
In their usual room, Gen Hoshino eats Donbei with Dongitsune, played by Riho Yoshioka.
Just when they seem as happily content as ever, Dongitsune murmurs unvoiced words, and suddenly the room’s wall falls outward to reveal a vast snowy plain.
Only the kimono that Dongitsune had been wearing is left behind as the figure of a fox dashes off across the snowfield.
Even so, Hoshino keeps eating Donbei in the snow.
True to the CM’s title, it’s a suggestive, enigmatic turn of events.
Nissin Foods Donbei FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH “One-Winged Don Kitsune” Version
As part of a collaboration between Donbei and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Sephiroth appears as a “Don Kitsune” in a commercial.
While Sephiroth usually evokes the image of luring the protagonist Cloud into darkness, here he eerily urges Cloud to eat Donbei.
No matter how many times he’s refused, he keeps recommending it, and the sight of Cloud suffering under his words is played for laughs.
In the end, Cloud can’t resist and eats the Donbei, and the familiar recovery sound plays—subtly conveying how tasty it is.
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei 'Second-String Donbei Donkaburi' VersionYuriko Yoshitaka, Rikito Itagaki
A commercial that calls itself the “Second-string Donbei,” introducing Donbei flavors that aren’t the most mainstream but are still delicious.
It’s the kind of frank, self-deprecating presentation—calling their own product second-string—that you’d expect from Nissin.
In the ad, Rihito Itagaki and Yuriko Yoshitaka, who play the Don-Gitsune characters, point to their favorite Donbei on a cue of “Ready, go,” and when they end up choosing the same one, they look at each other.
It’s a heart-fluttering turn of events, and the way Itagaki seems to be playfully wrapped around Yoshitaka’s little finger is both endearing and cute.
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “Morning Donbei might be a thing” versionYuriko Yoshitaka, Rikito Itagaki
This commercial promotes Donbei as a perfect breakfast option.
When Yuriko Yoshitaka says, “I don’t want to do anything this morning,” Rihito Itagaki agrees.
They introduce a survey showing that 90% of people said they’d like to eat Donbei in the morning.
Yoshitaka imagines how well a warm, dashi-rich Donbei would suit a cold morning, and it seems breakfast for the day is decided.
However, in a humorous twist, Itagaki realizes he forgot to bring the Donbei and goes to fetch it from the storage room.
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “Unmatched Deliciousness: The Strongest Donbei” VersionYuriko Yoshitaka, Rikito Itagaki
This commercial highlights that the “Strongest Donbei” has an exceptional level of deliciousness, conveying its meticulous attention to detail.
Rikohito Itagaki appears as the Don Fox before Yuriko Yoshitaka and speaks powerfully about how it’s the strongest.
As they communicate Donbei’s supremacy, Yoshitaka-san slips in a question about how she herself measures up, and the response—“the best”—is particularly memorable.
The gentle back-and-forth develops in a heartwarming way, giving the whole piece a soft, kind feel.
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “Your ears don’t lie: East-West-North-South dashi comparison” versionKei Shindou, Rica Matsumoto
This is a commercial that conveys the appeal of Donbei Kitsune Udon through a gentle, soft-toned animation.
A Don-fox appears before a man who insists that all fox udon is the same, and reveals his hidden fondness for kitsune udon.
Even as he claims they’re all the same, the ears that unconsciously pop out say it all, cutely expressing the exhilaration brought by its delicious taste.
The gentle visuals leave an impression with expressive movements—smiles and bashful looks—that beautifully convey the mood.
Nissin Foods Nissin Donbei “M-1 Victory Sale” VersionAir Stairs
This commercial promotes the M-1 Victory Sale, where you can get great deals on the Donbei noodle series, using a lively song and visuals.
The music playing is a parody of “Strong Wind All Back,” expressing reactions to the excitement of the M-1 Grand Prix.
The depiction of the comedy duo Kukai Kaidan recreating the original music video is striking, and the odd outfits and sudden changes in their expressions draw your attention.
By pairing the year’s hit song with the people who were popular that year, the ad comically looks back on what the year was like.