
Japan has a few, shall we say, unusual commercials that have raised eyebrows around the world. While you may laugh, when you think about it, it just shows that Japan’s marketers really know how to get the audience’s attention–and isn’t that the job of a commercial, to get people’s attention? We’d say so, and we think we may have found our favorite new eyebrow-raising Japanese commercial!
An exhilarating, upbeat sound track? Check. A simple, direct message that makes almost no sense at all? Check. Half naked people? Oh, holy hell, yes, check!
▼Put your horns up, crank it to eleven, and get ready to rock!
Clocking in under a minute, this metalcore song features one simple repeated line screamed by (if the video is to be believed) the sumo wrestler Toyonoshima: “Move band!” This motley crew of rocking sumo wrestlers is filled out with Asahishou (on guitar), Gagamaru (on drums), and Tenkaiho (on bass), though we must admit that we’re highly skeptical that any of them were actually part of the recording process. Then again, we would pack our cash into a cannon and launch it at the nearest event promoter to get front row seats to see this Sumo Rock Band actually performing.
As you have probably figured out by now, the Sumo Rock Band isn’t the newest awesome band from Japan, but just an advertisement for “Move Band.” Part of Docomo’s Healthcare line, these wearable devices measure the user’s various biometrics, including number of footsteps, distance walked, sleep time, and, as you can see in the screenshot below, number of calories burned.
▼That’s a lot of pasta dinners.
“Just now, the total number of calories they burned performing was: 5,287 kcal.”
While we’re probably not going to be slapping a Move Band around our wrists any time soon–we’re quite happy not knowing how few calories we burned today, thank you very much–we certainly are grateful to Docomo for filling our heads with dreams of a Sumo Rock Band tour. Preferably co-headlining with Andrew W.K. and Motörhead, just to get a balance between healthy and liver-punching unhealthiness.
Hopefully the Sumo Rocking Band wouldn’t try any stagediving through…


New Toyota ad answers the age-old question: How is a sumo wrestler like a car?【Video】
Become a sumo wrestler with the new top knot hairband from Japan
Can you enjoy a day at Tokyo’s Kokugikan sumo stadium if you know nothing about the sport?【Pics】
Japan Sumo Association surprises fans with cutesy game on Twitter
The deceiving cat: Sumo wrestler wins match using “cute” technique, but some are not happy【Video】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Final Fantasy and KFC team up for new collaboration meal, Colonel Sanders/Chocobo figure
Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki says the anime industry’s problem is that it’s full of anime fans
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Tour a stylish, minimalistic Muji House in new downtown Tokyo showroom
Make your mark: Personalize gift bags, notebooks and more with free Muji stamp station
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
Nike commercial about gender inequality in Japan receives backlash online【Video】
Japanese netizens shocked by the sight of sumo wrestlers bathing in hot spring
Sumo salt shaker steals the show in new range of Japanese wrestler goods
Join the hordes of net users giggling at GIFs of sumo wrestlers performing comedic moves【Videos】
Big dudes CAN jump: Frolicking sumo means it’s officially springtime again in Japan!
Why are these people ceremonially taking scissors to a bag of Japanese sausages?【Video】
Leave a Reply