Suntory Beer's live-action ad series, "Premium Maruko-chan" (Pre-Moru-ko-chan), reimagines the beloved "Chibi Maruko-chan" characters 20 years later. Suzu Hirose stars as the "Premium Maruko," Sairi Ito as "Premium Tama-chan," and Joe Odagiri as "Premium Hanawa-kun." Launched in 2025, the series has garnered widespread acclaim.
Now, the latest installment drops a bombshell: none other than Mai Shiraishi steps into the role of "Premium Mihoko"! Not only that, she's also performing an original song, "When the Premol Can Changes from Gold to Navy," complete with a full-blown music video. Fans are absolutely buzzing!
The MV delves into the bittersweet unrequited love of Mihoko Hanako, now a full-fledged idol. This catchy tune also doubles as a promo for Suntory's "The Premium Malt's" beer, highlighting its packaging change from gold to a sleek navy blue.
The story unfolds on the set of a beer commercial, where Mihoko Hanako, now a successful idol, is living her dream. Yet, despite her newfound fame, her heart still yearns for Hanawa-kun. As she walks from her dressing room to the stage, she hums a melody tinged with bittersweet emotions, creating a beautiful and poignant romantic vibe that's just a little heartbreaking.
Mai Shiraishi's look for the MV is a total glow-up of Mihoko's signature style: a pink top with white ruffles, a light blue long skirt, twin braids, and clear-rimmed glasses, all revamped with an idol flair. Her pink-themed dressing room is decked out with a hand-knitted scarf and a plushie of her beloved dog, "Amaryllis." Shiraishi even playfully showed off the "LOVE HANAWA" embroidery on the doll to the camera – talk about commitment!
For Shiraishi, this marks her first official music video shoot in about six years, a return to her MV roots since her Nogizaka46 days.
In a post-shoot interview, Shiraishi expressed her honor in joining the series, praising its stylish and adorable aesthetic. She also highlighted the MV's super "girly" pink set, hoping viewers would realize "just how cute Mihoko-chan truly is" through the video.
▼ "Premium Mihoko's" Original Song "When the Premol Can Changes from Gold to Navy" MV
And get this: there's even a spin-off X (formerly Twitter) account for Mihoko-chan (@amaryllis_0711)! It's been unearthed with over 100 posts, spilling all her true feelings and endless love for Hanawa-kun (lol).
This ad series has been a treat for fans, not only showing live-action grown-up versions of Maruko and friends but also spinning fresh new narratives. The addition of an adult Mihoko this time around is truly mind-blowing!
▼ "Premium Mihoko's" Debut PV