In the fast-paced world of Japanese advertising, few campaigns manage to capture the essence of human emotion as delicately as Universal Music‘s “#春うたベスト50” (Top 50 Spring Songs) series. The fourth and final installment of this narrative, titled “A Story of Brothers: Departure”, premiered on April 2nd, marking the climax of a relationship that has captivated audiences: that of King & Prince’s Ren Nagase and the rising young actor Soya Kurokawa.
The Conclusion of an Emotional Tetralogy
What began in the first commercial as a distant relationship, defined by silences and unspoken words, has evolved over four chapters into a deep and sincere connection. While previous installments showed two brothers finally opening their hearts after a night of honest conversation, this final piece focuses on the inevitable and bittersweet moment of “departure.”
The commercial captures that universal instant where paths diverge. Ren, portraying the older brother with a blend of pride and nostalgia, and Soya, as the younger brother preparing to take his own steps, personify the journey into adulthood. The chemistry between the two, which has grown organically since their first meeting on set, is the engine that drives this visual story.
Music is undoubtedly the third protagonist of this campaign. This time, the tracks chosen to accompany the farewell are “Shunshu” and “Boku no Koto” by the popular band Mrs. GREEN APPLE. These songs, renowned for their introspective lyrics and ability to evoke the beauty of personal growth, fit perfectly with the “Spring Songs” concept.
In an exclusive interview conducted during filming, Ren shared his personal connection to the band: “Yes, I know them well! In fact, Kaito (his King & Prince bandmate) and I went to one of their concerts together. Their songs are beautiful and perfect for spring; I was very happy they were used for this project.” On the other hand, Soya, representing the freshness of the new generation of actors, commented enthusiastically: “I often go to karaoke with my high school friends, and we always sing their songs! Hearing them made me really want to go back to karaoke now that it’s spring.”
Behind the Scenes: A Real Friendship
Beyond the script, the relationship between Ren and Soya has transcended the director’s “cut.” Along with the commercial’s release, Universal Music launched a making-of video on their special website, showcasing the camaraderie between the two. The age difference was no barrier for Ren to take on an almost mentor-like, fraternal role with Soya, something reflected in the naturalness of their gestures on screen.
In addition to the commercials, both artists collaborated on curating personalized playlists for various streaming services, allowing fans to discover which songs define their own spring seasons.
The “#春うたベスト50” campaign has served not only to promote a musical catalog but to remind us that music is the thread that weaves our most important memories together. Watching Ren Nagase and Soya Kurokawa say goodbye to follow their respective destinies, the audience sees more than just an advertisement; they see a reflection of their own life transitions.
With this “Departure,” a brilliant chapter in 2026 Japanese advertising closes, leaving a trail of nostalgia, hope, and, above all, great music!
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