JCB Announces 30th TV Commercial Featuring Ninomiya

JCB held a new commercial launch event on September 25 at Bellesalle Onarimon Tower in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
The new TV commercial "Like a Partner ~Cashless Set Meal~," which began airing the same day, is the third installment following "Like a Partner ~The Beginning~" and "Like a Partner ~Cashless in Hawaii~."
This series of commercials humorously depicts the convenience of the JCB card, which enables cashless payments for rent and utility bills, overseas travel, and even at small local eateries, portraying the relationship between the protagonist and the JCB card as "partners."

Kazunari Ninomiya, who has appeared in the company's commercials for ten years, made a guest appearance at the venue.
Regarding the 30th commercial, Ninomiya commented, "It's about being able to make cashless payments even at a set meal restaurant. On set, I heard from staff who actually use it," showing his awareness of the current trend toward cashless society.

Standing before a timeline of his 10-year commercial history, Ninomiya reminisced about memorable moments like his first commercial, the "HAT" edition where he dressed as a comedian, and the "Iceberg" edition where he played the ocarina. Regarding the "1961" edition, which challenged a single-take shoot, he stated, "I remember it being incredibly tough. After filming, I even said maybe CG would have been better. It's the commercial I practiced the most in my life, so I remember it vividly."

 

When prompted, "In 2012, you co-starred with someone unexpected...," Ninomiya immediately replied, "A frog, right? I got to do that in the series."
Then, the character "Frog-kun" made a surprise appearance on stage. Presented with a bouquet in JCB's signature colors—blue, red, and green—Ninomiya, looking slightly embarrassed, said, "I'm not really into amphibians... but it's a celebration," and happily embraced the frog for their first reunion in seven years.

When asked if he uses his signature line from the commercial—"JCB!"—in real life, Ninomiya replied, "When I go out to eat with friends, they ask me to say it." He then laughed as he shared the hardship of being taken seriously: "In the commercial, the staff react with smiles, but in reality... nothing."

Ninomiya concluded by expressing his enthusiasm for the next installment: "I want to work hard so that ten years doesn't feel long, and so that the 20th year comes in the blink of an eye. I want to continue, no matter the form—even if it means becoming Frog-kun again. I want to keep promoting JCB's benefits and the convenience of cashless payments."

Official Website:
https://www.jcb.co.jp/