The "Premium Maruko-chan" (Pre-Mol-ko-chan) series, a new ad campaign inspired by the classic long-running series "Chibi Maruko-chan," envisions the characters 20 years into the future. Produced by Suntory Beer for "The Premium Malt's," this live-action ad features Suzu Hirose as "Premium Maruko," Saori Ito as "Premium Tama-chan," and Joe Odagiri as "Premium Hanawa-kun." Since its launch this year, the series has released multiple ads, all met with rave reviews.
The sixth installment, "New Year's Resolutions," has just dropped, setting the scene in Premium Tama-chan's New York pad. With the city's nightscape outside, the trio sips Premium Malt's at their year-end party in a super chic room, sharing their "New Year's Resolutions":
Tama-chan declares, "Next year, I want to get better at cooking!"
Maruko, ever the Maruko, chimes in, "Me? I just wanna get better at giving compliments!"
But it's Hanawa-kun who steals the show, announcing, "As for me... I want to improve my handwriting!" He immediately pulls out his calligraphy, only for it to be as wobbly and unimproved as ever (a rare weakness for him in the original series).
Maruko instantly responds, "Hey, I think it has character!"
Tama-chan immediately retorts, "You're just complimenting her, aren't you?!" Their chemistry is still spot-on.
The three burst into laughter, clinking glasses for a grown-up celebration.
▼ Watch the "Premium Maruko-chan: New Year's Resolutions" ad here:
This ad series not only gives fans a glimpse of what Maruko and friends look like as adults in live-action, but also introduces fresh new story settings. With six installments released since its debut this year, the series has garnered positive reviews. What do you think of this live-action trio?
