Voice actor Tsuda Kenjirou has reprised his role as the premium version of Hidejii in the latest TV commercial for the “The Premium Malt’s” beer brand, titled ‘Premolko-chan: Stargazing’ (プレモル子ちゃん・天体観測篇). The new ad has already sparked excitement across social media, with fans praising the suave and emotional portrayal of the beloved character from Chibi Maruko-chan.
The ‘Premolko-chan: Stargazing’ Commercial
The “Premolko-chan” series is a live-action commercial franchise that imagines the characters of Chibi Maruko-chan as adults enjoying “The Premium Malt’s.” It launched in February of last year, featuring Hirose Suzu as the premium Maruko, Itou Sairi as premium Tama-chan, Odagiri Jou as premium Hanawa-kun, and Tsuda Kenjirou as the premium version of Hanawa’s butler, Hidejii.
The latest installment, airing from June 8, 2026 (Monday), once again takes place at Hanawa-kun’s villa on his family’s private island. Under a starry sky, the premium characters leisurely sip their beer. In a heartwarming scene, Hanawa-kun spots a shooting star and immediately shouts his wish: “Please keep Hidejii healthy forever!” This causes Hidejii to tear up, whispering “Bocchama…” in a moment that fans have described as both touching and elegant.
When Hidejii first appeared in the previous commercial, viewers were struck by his dandy appearance and deep voice, dubbing him “Ikejii” (cool old man) and saying things like “I can’t stop staring at this Ikejii” and “Hidejii looks and sounds amazing.” For the new ad, the interaction between Hanawa-kun and Hidejii has drawn even more emotional reactions:
- “Tsuda-san’s ‘Bocchama…’ with that expression and tone was just too perfect—cheers to that!”
- “I need to calm down by looking at this beautiful, refined Hidejii.”
- “Of course you get teary-eyed hearing your young master’s wish!”
- “I want a Hidejii like this in every home—someone who quietly supports you. Or rather, let me make him tea.”
On a lighter note, the live-action Hidejii’s appearance has also drawn comparisons to a certain fast-food chain’s founder, with comments like “He looks like a slim version of Colonel Sanders” and “He’s like a KFC uncle who went on a diet and became super handsome with a great voice.”
An interesting aside: Tsuda Kenjirou is well-known for not drinking alcohol, so seeing him enjoy a beer in the commercial offers a fresh and unexpected side of the actor. The ‘Premolko-chan: Stargazing’ commercial will begin airing nationwide from June 8, 2026.
