King & Prince’s Ren Nagase and actress Nanoka Hara will appear together for the first time in Universal Music‘s new commercial, “The End of Love in the Heisei Era”, airing nationwide from the 27th November. Featuring RADWIMPS‘ renowned tracks “Futari Goto”, “Yushinron” and “me me she”, the highlight will be the interplay between these two individuals navigating life in the Heisei era.
Heisei: “The Conclusion of Love“
In this first released commercial, they share a common interest in music. This becomes the beginning of their romance. Three years of the Heisei era and the winter of Reiwa. As time passes, the changing nature of their playlists is depicted. The newly released “Heisei: The Conclusion of Love” instalment is the first in the series, with the second, third, and fourth instalments scheduled to follow over the coming weeks.
This first part is set in the Heisei era on a station platform where the cold air cuts deep, he still wants to savour the present, but she resolves to study abroad in pursuit of her dreams. Trains bound for different destinations pass between them as they stand separated on the platform. Unspoken words, gratitude and farewells packed into an unspoken ‘thank you’. The light fades to blue, and love learns the weight of reality. It depicts the moment when youth quietly ends.
Additionally, Universal Music launched its campaign this winter, themed around Heisei retro, aiming to spread cheer nationwide through the power of music. Playlists featuring songs selected by Ren Nagase and Hara Nanoka, alongside a compilation of various winter tracks from Universal Music, were released on various music streaming services.
Heisei: “Passionate love song”
The second part of this Universal Music‘ series of new commercials was released on the 5th December. This marks the second instalment of the campaign (with a third and fourth instalment to follow).
‘#プレイリスト聴こうよ’: Heisei’s ‘Passionate Love Song’ Edition’ features grainy footage reminiscent of 16mm film. The karaoke box lights flicker red and blue as the pair sit awkwardly side by side. Their fingertips, passing the song selection remote, almost touch but never quite do. Lacking the courage to meet each other’s gaze, they simply hum along to the same song. Music becomes the first signal connecting them. Silence, rather than smiles, seems to reflect the tension of first love. The couple’s youthful innocence is the highlight.
With the release of “Heisei: The Conclusion of Love” and “Heisei: Passionate Love Song”, the story of this romance has only just begun. The full journey of their relationship, navigating love, dreams, and the passage of time, is yet to be revealed. Fans can eagerly await the arrival of the third and fourth instalments of this Universal Music ad series, which will continue to explore their connection in the coming weeks!
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