The Heisei Era ends today, April 30, and Suntory is making the most out of with an extended TV commercial featuring the darling Alien Jones, played by Tommy Lee Jones, who’s come to Earth to observe our species and sell Suntory Boss brand canned coffee. The piece shows many of the many TV commercials Tommy Lee Jones has made since he started the series in 2006, and might just make you mist up with all the memories of Pikachu toys and Tamagotchi virtual pets and Heelys that we’re all be saying goodbye to today.
Foreign faces are not rare to see in Japanese TV commercials. Arnold Schwarzenegger has pitched an energy drink and Nissin cup noodles, Sylvester Stallone sold ham and sausages from Ito Ham, and even Bewitched star Elizabeth Montgomery (who was super famous in Japan) hawked Lotte cookies in a couple of CMs.
The “guara” (guarantee or minimum payment) for these commercials can be very lucrative. Mr. Jones supposedly gets $1.5 million for each 30-second spot, which he’s done several times a year for 14 years. Not bad work if you can get it.
Well, from all of us at J-List, thanks for being a part of our lives during the Heisei era, and take advantage of our Sayonara Heisei sale we’re holding right now to get yourself something nice from Japan! Farewell to Heisei, and see everyone in the Reiwa Era!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=116&v=sTjqi4sgVuk
