
Last September, we brought you news that Japanese cup noodle maker Nissin was about to launch a new product, Kare Meshi curry rice in a cup. Hoping to do for rice what it did for noodles and ensure that a new generation of Japanese never give in to the urge to cook a real meal for themselves, the idea is that lazy diners simply add water to the pre-cooked curry and rice, heat it in the microwave and get stuck in. All the taste with minimal washing up and none of the fuss of cooking rice the regular way.
This week, in an effort to lodge Kare Meshi more firmly in the minds of consumers, the noodle king has launched a new ad for its cup rice. And it is positively insane.
The ad begins with a young boy lying around on the floor holding his stomach and wishing that he had something quick and easy to snack on.
No sooner have the words left his mouth than Nissin’s Kare Meshi mascot bursts through the paper wall and, having trampled the pot-bellied layabout, introduces the microwaveable dish.
Kare Meshi Man explains that the rice is already inside the cup, as illustrated by this crowd of unfortunate souls dressed not at all like extras in a human biology/sex education video, dancing around.
▼ “Professional experience: Five years of Modern Dance, four Broadway musicals, jiggling grain of rice in Nissin ad”
You just add water, the emphatic voiceover tells us…
…and throw it in the microwave.
Which, as this surly, keitai-toting high schooler and an old man tell us, is kind of amazing.
You can check out the full video for yourselves here. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed.
Keep up the fine work, Nissin!







Cup Noodle mystery meat instant rice returns to Japanese stores after a seven-year absence
Nissin releases new Gaming Cup Noodle in Japan, with caffeine to keep you gaming all night long
Chow time, bachelors! Nissin now offering microwavable curry rice in a cup
Nissin’s new Bukkomi Meshi is the guilty pleasure of rice plus instant ramen broth
You need this instant Japanese curry rice if you hate cooking but want to eat a balanced diet
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Hatsune Miku successfully wraps Miku Expo 2026 North America tour with 100,000 attendees
Nearly half of Pokémon hot spring’s statues have been damaged less than two months after opening
Japan’s Yellow Shinkansen to be retired, last chances to ride it come with eye-popping prices
Dragon Quest’s next quest is a journey to Yoshinoya for awesome Slime toy meals[Photos]
“Alcohol is the best medicine” removed from Japanese government website
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
7-Eleven Japan to start selling Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches this summer
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
“Phantom Egg Shop” opens in Japan, with a dozen rare Japanese varieties
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Official microwaveable Cup Noodle-Use Measuring Cup is now a reality, could be yours if you act fast
Cup Noodle’s Nissin develops space ramen, space curry rice for astronauts to eat among the stars
We try the new Gaming Cup Noodle and Gaming Curry Rice from Nissin
Cup Noodle maker now offering instant Mystery Eel meals
Nissin Cup Noodle flavored seasoning for rice?!?
Curry while gaming – Nissin creates special mug to hold curry rice in collaboration with Capcom
We investigate the rumors that our writers appeared in an instant rice commercial
Eating Japan’s Mystery Eel, mysteriously, both is and isn’t like eating real eel【Taste test】
With fires, explosions, and a giant kicking foot, new instant curry commercial is pure insanity
Nissin offers chance to try rare cans of fresh, non-instant cup noodles in huge giveaway
Nissin’s Cup Noodle gets glamorous birthday makeover!
Cup Noodle maker Nissin teams up with thick-broth ramen chain for instant ramen rice[Taste test]
Trick or Meal? Nissin’s instant foods get Halloween makeover in four limited-edition products
New Cup Noodle Rolling Stock automatically resupplies you with ramen for disaster preparedness
Whole boxes of Mystery Meat going on sale in Japan, Cup Noodle fans rejoice
Does mixing all four Tokujo Cup Noodle flavors result in a hyper-luxurious flavor? We find out