They call him ‘The Modern-Day Samurai’. Master swordsman Isao Machii can slice a BB gun pellet in mid-air. He holds four World Records for swordsmanship – so what’s he doing slicing up fruit in this ad for Toaster Strudels?
It’s still a cool video, though, as he slices his way through watermelons and pineapples at lightning speed. Join us after the jump for a look at this “live action fruit ninja” vid. What would Gretchen Weiners’s father think?
Machii is an Iaidoka, a practitioner of the Japanese non-combat martial art Iaido. He holds four Guinness World Records for ‘Most martial arts sword cuts to one mat’, ‘Fastest 1,000 martial arts sword cuts’, ‘Most sword cuts to straw mats in three minutes’, and ‘Fastest tennis ball (708 km/h) cut by sword’. Yep, this man can cut through a tennis ball that’s flying at over 400 miles an hour.
▼ Anyway, here is is playing Fruit Ninja.
Honestly though, the Toaster Strudel/Fruit Ninja ad doesn’t do his skills justice. Watch him showing off his skills on Japanese TV, with a series of requests from the presenters leading up to “can you cut a single rice grain in half for us?”
But Machii still looks awesome even when he’s slicing fruit:
We think one YouTuber had it right though when they commented: “This does NOT, however, make me want a Toaster Strudel.”
▼ I believe that’s what they call “the money shot”?
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
How to get a free Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut with your coffee in Japan
How to make a Big Mac in Tokyo at a fraction of the price with minimal effort【SoraKitchen】
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Slayers cafe opening in Tokyo and Osaka brings food of the fantasy anime to real life【Photos】
New Era combines with old eras for amazing hat collection based on Japanese painting masterpieces
Support Japan’s real-world Totoro Forest with special Studio Ghibli collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is