
Don’t blink or you might miss what these inter-species romance vignettes are actually trying to promote.
Heinz Japan is currently streaming two commercials, titled “Supermarket” and “Fitness Club” respectively, which feature erotically charged interactions between married women and a tall, dark, and handsome Iberian pig.
■ “Supermarket”
“Supermarket” opens with a young housewife working as a stock clerk and being berated by an angry customer.
Just before young lady bursts into tears, a reassuring hand alights on her shoulder. It’s her manager, who happens to be an Iberian pig. He cuts in between the two women and deals with the angry shopper with poise and grace.
Later on, as the woman approaches her swine supervisor to convey her thanks, their eyes suddenly meet and the pig gently presses her against some racks in classic kabedon style.
Then just as they lean in for the kiss, the commercial cuts to the woman eating some spaghetti. Because Heinz, remember?
■ Fitness Club
In the second commercial, the heroine is a slightly older homemaker who attends an exercise class at which the same handsome Iberian pig is the instructor.
As she subtly tries to get the attention of the shapely swine, she feels a pang of jealousy as some younger students begin chatting with the instructor.
But, just as she dejectedly returns to her stretching, a mysterious hand reassuringly touches her shoulder. It’s the handsome Iberian pig! He offers a warm smile…
…and later on, the two meet in the studio where the passion builds.
And then we see the housewife enjoying some spaghetti.
In both commercials the scene ends with a title card that reads: “A secret luxury away from your husband.” The message is followed by an image of box of Heinz Pasta for Adults Bolognese Sauce with Iberian Pork, which would leave us to believe that eating their sauce is like having a passion-filled extramarital fling.
I’m sure Freud would have a lot to say about this commercial, were he alive to see it. But he’s dead and I’m not, so here’s my take on what this commercial truly means. At first this comes across as your typical bodice ripper plot line but let’s go past that and onto the symbolism at work here.
First off, in both commercials the male is in a position of authority while the housewife is seen as a student or subordinate—classic patriarchy framework. Then, we have the fact that the man is also an Iberian pig which doesn’t require calculus to derive that “men = pigs” and the Iberian pig is said to be an ancestor of domesticated swine and wild boars, meaning that this guy was an especially “boarish” pig.
▼ Hey there buddy, she was just saying “thanks.” Not inviting you to violate her personal space.
Now, in each case it appears that the woman is about to fully submit to the pig’s power harassment, but just she goes all the way the scene suddenly changes to her eating his dead, cured, and roasted flesh mixed in with some diced tomatoes and onions. Obviously the commercial didn’t want to turn you off with the gruesome murder and dismemberment that followed, but clearly my sisters went and took the power back.
Go ahead, watch the commercials again and notice how the dramatic piano accompaniment and self-satisfied look on the woman’s face take on a whole new meaning.
▼ I mean come on, have you ever been that self-assured while eating spaghetti?
Of course, I could be a little off on my analysis. I’ve only been woke for a couple of days now, and am still getting the hang of it…
Original article by Mr. Sato
Source: YouTube/heinzjapan
[ Read in Japanese ]













Men’s deodorant commercial series puts viewers in sweaty situations with women 【Video】
Nike commercial about gender inequality in Japan receives backlash online【Video】
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
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro music box to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Suspected Japanese ice cream cartel under investigation for price-fixing
All-you-can-eat cheese restaurant in Tokyo is a hidden gem not many people know about
Studio Ghibli releases new anime character fans to keep fans looking and feeling cool this summer
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
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
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
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]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden