12 Hollywood Stars Who Have Featured in Japanese Advertisements

For years, Hollywood stars have traveled to Japan to appear in commercials. This offers a fast and effortless way for celebrities to earn money without risking their reputation in the U.S., as confidentiality agreements prevent Japanese firms from revealing these endorsements.

However, with the rise of platforms like YouTube, many of these ads are now accessible globally online. The commercials provide entertaining content, and it's certain that the celebrities are profiting handsomely.

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger

According to Arnold Schwarzenegger, a single cup of Nissin instant noodles can give you the strength to effortlessly swing massive bronze pots. Alternatively, you can unwind with a can of Hop's Beer or unleash your inner superhero with a shot of Vfuyy energy drink. The iconic bodybuilder, actor, and former California governor promoted these Japanese products in commercials during the 1990s.

2. Nicolas Cage

Perhaps it was during the filming of Leaving Las Vegas or Honeymoon in Vegas, but Nicolas Cage developed such a passion for gambling that he ended up endorsing Sankyo, a maker of pachinko machines. These devices, akin to slot machines, are popular in Japanese casinos. Late 1990s ads show a frenzied Cage so consumed by pachinko fever that he struggles with everyday tasks!

3. Cameron Diaz

Aeon English Schools captivated Cameron Diaz, inspiring her to endorse them enthusiastically. With over 300 locations across Japan, Aeon has also been promoted by stars like Celine Dion, Ewan McGregor, and Mariah Carey. In Diaz's 2000 and 2001 ads, the cheerful actress from Charlie's Angels and There's Something About Mary radiates innocence as she repeatedly says "believe" against various backdrops. Her face also adorned Aeon posters across Japanese cities during that period.

4. Harrison Ford

Hiking near a volcano, enjoying sushi, relaxing in a steam room, and flying on a plane—what ties these activities together? Harrison Ford claims they all pair perfectly with Kirin beer. The actor behind Han Solo and Indiana Jones starred in at least five TV commercials and a print ad for this crisp lager in the mid-1990s.

5. Anne Hathaway

After The Princess Diaries, a story of transformation from ordinary to royal, premiered in Japanese theaters in 2002, its star, Anne Hathaway, became a familiar face in Japanese homes through ads for Lux hair and beauty products. Hathaway joined an elite group of Lux ambassadors, including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Penelope Cruz, and Charlize Theron. Her commercials highlight her princess image, featuring her in flowing white attire, gliding effortlessly as if as light as her styling mousse.

6. Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is known for meticulously selecting her film roles, often choosing provocative projects like The Silence of the Lambs, The Accused, and Panic Room. However, her commercial work has been more varied. From the mid-1990s to 2000, she endorsed Keri beauty products, Pasona temp agency, Mt. Rainier iced coffee, and Honda, always flashing a carefree smile that contrasts sharply with her intense on-screen personas.

7. Bruce Willis

Following Moonlighting and before his split from Demi Moore, Bruce Willis frequently traveled to the Far East. In the early 1990s, the actor behind the Die Hard series and films like The Fifth Element, The Sixth Sense, and The Whole Nine Yards promoted Maki jewelry stores, Georgia coffee, Eneos gas stations, Subaru, and Post canned drinking water.

8. Madonna

Madonna has a long history of endorsements, having starred in campaigns for Gap, H&M, and Versace in the U.S. In Japan, she promoted Shochu rice beverages in ads from 1995 and 1996. The commercials feature Madonna defeating a massive dragon and a sinister wizard before savoring a glass of the drink and declaring, "I'm pure." Sure, Madonna, if you say so!

9. Britney Spears

Britney Spears has worn many hats—pop icon, mother, Paris Hilton's best friend, and, surprisingly, the spokesperson for Go-Go Tea. In the ads, Britney donned a 1960s go-go girl outfit, complete with white boots and impressive dance moves. These commercials aired until early 2003, during her transition from girlhood to womanhood.

10. Sharon Stone

While many Americans first noticed Sharon Stone in 1992's Basic Instinct, Japanese audiences saw her earlier in Vernal cosmetics ads during the late 1980s. Wearing a sleek gray business suit, a brunette Stone appeared polished and professional, offering no hint of the seductive, villainous role that would later define her career.

11. Ashley Judd

Ashley Judd is overjoyed to drive a Honda Primo, and her excitement is palpable in a 2000 commercial where she introduces the term "Hondaful life." Known for her roles in De-Lovely and Kiss the Girls, and infamous for her family disputes with sister Wynonna and mother Naomi, Judd shines in these lively ads with her blonde hair and infectious energy.

12. Richard Gere

Being a Buddhist humanitarian isn't inexpensive, and Richard Gere is known for his philanthropy. This might explain his appearances in ads for Mt. Rainier coffee drinks, Tokyo Towers real estate, and Dandy House clothing. The actor has been featured in Dandy House commercials as recently as December 2006.

Helen Davies, Marjorie Dorfman, Mary Fons, Deborah Hawkins, Martin Hintz, Linnea Lundgren, David Priess, Julia Clark Robinson, Paul Seaburn, Heidi Stevens, and Steve Theunissen

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