It’s not unusual for stars to perform in Japanese commercials, but what they’re asked to do can sometimes lead to head-scratching.
Even Japanese stars can get perplexed at their commercials, as Kana Hanazawa (Akane in Psycho-Pass, Kuroneko in Oreimo, Zange in Kannagi: Crazy Shrine Maidens) demonstrates.
Hanazawa is promoting Sharp‘s new AQUOS smartphone and its very clear resolution IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) screen display. That means the producers have her jump a lot — first from side to side, then with rope, and finally on a trampoline. They explain that she is “verifying beauty,” but it’s not her own beauty that she’s verifying — it’s the smartphone’s. At one point she gets exasperated since they aren’t even using her voice for this. Of course, at the end she’s as impressed as everyone else with the crystal-clear screen (120 Hz), which makes her movement appear much more fluid.
Hanazawa has starred in another wacky commercial advertising meat, which has led to her own curry flavor.
More from Anime News Network:

It’s Japanese commercial time! Watch the best ads from 2017 in one glossy 4K video
Katy Perry appears in Japanese commercial for Laundrin’ 【Video】
Energetic schoolgirl’s “Pension dance” commercial for Nagano bank isn’t easy to forget
Avril Lavigne speaks Japanese in new commercial for Laundrin’ 【Video】
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
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]
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Naomi Osaka slams reporters who ask her to speak in Japanese with new Nike commercial
Jennifer Connelly sang a Japanese song that became a number one hit single in Japan 【Video】
Nike commercial addresses bullying and racism in Japan, riles up debate online【Video】
WARNING! The Civic hatchback can’t drive through Evangelion AT fields, Honda’s lawyers say【Vids】
Virtual YouTuber queen Kizuna Ai angrily addresses rumors her voice has been changed【Video】
Bruno Mars creates commercial for Japan’s Don Quijote discount retail chain【Video】