The white dog's dad has a grandchild!? SoftBank's new commercial announced

On November 7th, SoftBank held a new TV commercial launch event at Bellesalle Shiodome in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. The Shiroto Family, born in June 2007 as the characters for the family discount plan "Unexpected Family." This year marks the 10th anniversary of the commercials' debut. A recent ad hinting at a transition from the current Shiroto family to a new one had sparked buzz. It was announced that actors Arata Furuta and Ryoma Takeuchi, along with actress Hana Sugisaki, would join the existing cast: the white dog father, mother played by Kanako Higuchi, and eldest daughter played by Aya Ueto.

At the start, Vice President and COO Atsushi Shiba stated, "As the Shiroto family reached this 10-year milestone, we debated whether it was time for a new direction. However, we received many heartfelt messages like 'It would be sad if we couldn't see the Shiroto family anymore' and 'I'm more interested in the Shiroto family's future than a TV series.' Based on this, we decided to keep the existing Shiroto family members and add new cast members."

Responding to the overwhelming reaction, especially on social media, a 60-minute film compiling 10 years of commercials will be screened at select Toei cinemas starting in December.

Attending the event were actress Kanako Higuchi, who has played the mother of the Shiroto family in commercials for 10 years, along with Ryoma Takeuchi and Hana Sugisaki, who join the family starting this month.

When Vice President Shiba announced that the three would receive the newly released iPhone X (launched on the 3rd of this month), Takeuchi instinctively threw up a huge victory pose. Higuchi smiled and said, "I was planning to buy one, so I'm really happy. Whenever I buy an iPhone, I always go to the store and have them show me how to use it."

When Takeuchi mentioned, "I'm curious about the new 'Face ID' feature introduced this time," Higuchi asked with keen interest, "Can it recognize you even with glasses on? What about when you're wearing heavy makeup?"

Unable to sit still, Takeuchi immediately started playing with the iPhone X and promptly tried taking a selfie with the three of them. They were all impressed by the camera's high quality, which could capture details like skin texture and hair flow with remarkable clarity.

Higuchi revealed that when she was informed of the Shiroto Family's end during a prank segment, she teared up and cried out loud alongside actress Aya Ueto. Regarding Takeuchi and Sugisaki, who joined the Shiroto Family alongside actor Arata Furuta, she said, "They're both fresh in every way, from their words to their actions. I feel a newness I've never encountered before."

Ms. Sugisaki's eyes sparkled as she said, "I'm personally looking forward to the next developments in the commercials." Mr. Takeuchi shared his aspirations: "By joining the Shiroto Family, which has been running for 10 years, I'll work hard to make it even more interesting than before."

Higuchi smiled and remarked, "Takeuchi and Sugisaki are the 'Shirakawa Family bombs'—they transform the moment the camera rolls." He concluded, "I'm truly happy to see the day when we can say the Shirakawa Family will continue indefinitely. Please look forward to the Shirakawa Family's future."

Finally, the white dog "Dad" made an appearance, warming the hearts of the audience.

 

 

Official Website: https://www.softbank.jp/mobile/tvcm_media/