Yakult 1000 New CM Announcement Event Takakeishō and the Ostrich Club Liven Up the Press Conference (Video Available)

Yakult Headquarters held a press conference on December 19 at Yakult Hall in Minato Ward, Tokyo, to announce the new commercial character for its dairy-based lactic acid bacteria drink "Yakult 1000".
The beverage launched in October across Tokyo and six prefectures in the Kanto region. It contains Yakult's highest-ever concentration and density of "Lactobacillus Shirota" bacteria and is the company's first functional food product, designed to alleviate stress and improve sleep quality.

Appearing on stage was Ozeki Takakeishō, the new CM character for the product. He is the third person to be appointed, following racing driver Takuma Sato and dancer Koharu Sugawara.
The Ozeki stated, "The product's functionality is appreciated by a professional like myself. I've recommended it to the people in my stable." Regarding his first commercial appearance, he revealed, "Since it was filmed at an actual practice hall, I wasn't nervous and enjoyed it."

Executive Managing Director Yutaka Narita explained the reason for the casting: "The Ozeki, who is attracting attention in sumo, perfectly fits the commercial's concept: 'Even professionals active on the front lines battle stress and sleep issues.'" Managing Executive Director Tetsuya Hayashida expressed his expectations: "Sales of the product are already strong, but we expect sales to increase further with the Ozeki's casting." The commercial featuring the Ozeki is scheduled to air starting January 2020.

The company presented him with a vibrant red mawashi (sumo belt) featuring the product's layout on a red background, along with a year's supply of the product. Ōzeki remarked, "This is my first red mawashi, so I feel a renewed sense of purpose. I want to train even harder and do my best. I'm also happy knowing I can drink the product every day."

The three members of the comedy duo Dacho Club, who are busy and need stress relief and sleep heading into the year-end, rushed to the venue as the "Yakult Support Squad."
Members Katsuhiro Higo and Jimon Terakado lamented, "Ueshima (Ryuhei)'s comedy has lost its edge lately," and were high-energy from the start, even suggesting to Ōzeki the formation of a new group called the "Dosukoi Club" – essentially the Dacho Club minus Ueshima. Ueshima, arriving late, tried his signature routine—approaching the female MC aggressively before kissing her—but failed miserably, sparking laughter in the venue.
Ōzeki sampled Yakult and commented, "During tournaments, we're under a lot of stress, so relieving that and getting quality sleep is important. It has a familiar, stable taste and is delicious."

The Dacho Club performed two "stress-relief gags" in front of Ozeki, who is a fan of the trio. Despite being new material, Ozeki declared both "not funny," sinking them. Unwilling to give up, the three proposed an arm-wrestling match against Ozeki. After their usual pushing and shoving, it was decided that Ueshima would compete. Though Ueshima was allowed to use both hands in this handicap match, he was instantly defeated both times. He then cracked everyone up with his signature "Why are you taking this seriously?!" outburst.
Ōzeki concluded, "This long-awaited collaboration was great stress relief," adding, "I'll drink Yakult and aim for a strong start to the tournament. Please keep supporting me."

Official Website:
https://www.yakult.co.jp/yakult1000/