Japanese star Riho Yoshioka has been on a roll lately, with a packed schedule of TV dramas and even international film appearances, including cameos in "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" and the Taiwanese movie "Double Happiness." Talk about a successful career!
But when it comes to commercials, Yoshioka's role as "Don Kitsune" for Nissin's Nissin Donbei instant noodles is truly iconic. Now, after a four-year hiatus, she's back with a brand-new Don Kitsune ad, and fans are buzzing about her completely transformed image.
In the "Goodbye, Don Kitsune" ad that aired four years ago, Yoshioka charmed audiences with her cute, white-themed outfit and healing, adorable vibe. The storyline even saw her transform back into a fox, leaving behind her co-star Gen Hoshino.
▼ The "Goodbye, Don Kitsune" ad from four years ago
Fast forward to the new "The Return of Don Kitsune" commercial, and Yoshioka is rocking a sleek black dress, even getting showered in bonito flakes! She's serving up a more mature, alluring range of expressions, a complete departure from her previous cute persona. This is the adult version of Don Kitsune, and she's got a whole new kind of charm.
▼ The brand-new "The Return of Don Kitsune" commercial
Over the past four years, the Don Kitsune series has actually continued in animated form, even featuring Yujiro Hanma from "Baki" as the strongest Don Kitsune on Earth. But for many, Riho Yoshioka *is* Don Kitsune, so her return to the live-action ads after four years has delighted countless fans. Even Yoshioka herself expressed how putting on the fox ears again felt like "Ah, I'm back!" – almost like a part of herself.
The new "The Return of Don Kitsune" commercial is set to hit Japanese TV screens on April 24th. Who knows, maybe we'll see even more of Yoshioka's Don Kitsune in the future!