In Japan, Hokto is to mushrooms what Chiquita is to bananas: a household name that people know but aren’t overly excited by – until now!
The mushroom growers have been releasing an increasingly sexy line of commercials that seem to get pulled from the airwaves soon after debuting. The latest one, titled “Splendid Mushroom Kinkatsu,” depicts a love affair between actors Jun Kaname in the role of the spirit of mushrooms and Sawa Suzuki as the middle-aged woman he continuously haunts and seductively whispers about mushrooms to. As far as mushrooms go, this is pretty hot.
In this commercial, Suzuki is perusing the produce section of her local supermarket. Suddenly, the spirit of mushroom appears behind her and whispers to her as he presses his mushroom-decorated body behind hers.
He whispers the ways of mushrooms to her, and asks if she truly wants a “regular mushroom” or his “splendid mushroom.”
Suzuki begins to feel lightheaded at Kaname’s forceful yet delicate mushroom lecturing. Overwhelmed, she desperately tries to escape and plunges her hand into the bin of regular mushrooms. The spirit of mushrooms passionately reaches for her arm and pulls it towards his own bulging package…
…of mushrooms.
He then vanishes, leaving Suzuki to do the rest of her shopping all in a tizzy, and some poor schmoe to mop up after these two fungal themed love-birds.
It’s said but unconfirmed that these commercials were quickly taken off the air after receiving complaints from viewers. However, it’s entirely possible this was all a clever viral marketing campaign to build hype.
Knowing how crafty those mushroom farmers can be I wouldn’t put it past them. My brother used to run an investment banking firm out in the countryside. Then one day a consortium of fungi cultivators bought out his company replaced his once-majestic office complex with a bleak mushroom house.
Source: Livedoor News via My Game News Flash (Japanese)
Hokto: Official Website (Japanese)
Videos: YouTube: autoxp038, douga sukiyo
▼ All installments of the Suzuki/Kaname mushroom romance to date.
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Starbucks Japan reveals new holiday goods for the 2024 festive season
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Starbucks Japan reveals new holiday goods for the 2024 festive season
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
New rules allow Japanese adult film actresses to stop the sale of their videos after five years
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Which Japanese conveyor belt sushi chain has the best yellowtail sushi?【Taste test】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
What was this Attack on Titan giant doing at a protest in Hong Kong?
Leave a Reply