Sho Sakurai is mesmerized! Ajinomoto's "Yoshokutei®" Juicy Hamburger Steak New CM

Ajinomoto Frozen Foods held a press conference for its new TV commercial featuring the "Yoshokutei®" Juicy Hamburger Steak on the 24th at Hotel New Otani in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

According to the company's research, the Youshotei series held a 63% share of the manufacturer market for frozen hamburg steaks sold at retail counters in fiscal 2012, maintaining its position as the market share leader for 15 consecutive years since fiscal 1998. In August, the company renewed its two existing varieties by adopting its unique "Chef-Prepared" manufacturing method, incorporating chef techniques into all production processes. It also introduced a plain type without sauce, allowing consumers to season it to their preference. Executive Managing Director Hideki Takeuchi expressed the company's commitment to creating a "hamburger steak that inspires delight," stating, "We've achieved the 'three delights': the texture of meat chunks, the juiciness of meat juices, and the authentic feel of demi-glace sauce."
While highly praised for its convenience and authentic taste, attracting many repeat customers, increasing brand awareness and purchase rates remains a challenge. To boost recognition, a TV commercial featuring popular group Arashi's member Sho Sakurai has been launched.
The "Moving Hamburger Steak" commercial vividly depicts a plump, thick patty with a deep sear, overflowing with juices and sizzling excitement. Sakurai exclaims "Delicious!" and "Juicy!" with an ecstatic expression. The entire shoot utilized a robotic arm equipped with high-speed cameras, resulting in powerful visuals.

At the venue, Sakurai appeared dressed in a black tuxedo. He shared behind-the-scenes stories, revealing he skipped meals to prepare for filming and devoured several hamburgers because they looked so delicious. He also mentioned it was his first time experiencing a robotic arm and was overwhelmed by the speed as it approached his face.
, Sakurai, playing the role of owner of the restaurant "Yoshokutei," welcomed sommelier Shinya Tazaki as a "customer." Owner Sakurai personally cooked the product. His method, which he said required "quite a bit of practice," involved simply placing the product in a pot of boiling water. He emphasized its convenience, stating, "Anyone can make it easily." After tasting the hamburger steak plated by the owner, Tazaki praised it, saying, "It's so fluffy and thick, yet this browning is amazing! Juices start flowing the moment you cut into it," awarding it a "three-star" rating.

The commercial airs starting October 26th. It can be viewed at the site below.
http://www.ffa.ajinomoto.com/study/gallery/cm.html