Between saunas, beaches and bars, find out how Harrison Ford broke the mold in Japan
Consider for a moment Harrison Ford, a Hollywood icon best known for his role as Han Solo in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, playing a different role than we are used to. We’re not talking about an obscure movie or a mysterious cameo, but something very unexpected: Japanese ads for Kirin Lager in the 90s. Yes, you read that right. Ford has starred in a series of commercials where he immerses himself in unique situations and brings out his funniest side, which is a delight for any fan.
Harrison Ford: From Adventurer to Advertising Icon
Before we get into the specifics of these ads, let’s take a brief overview of Ford’s work. This actor not only gives life to the most popular characters in cinema but also knows how to win over the audience with his off-screen charisma. From his love for Indiana Jones to his forays into Star Wars comedy, Ford has proven that he doesn’t take himself too seriously, a quality that makes him all the more endearing.
Advertising in Japan is characterized by a unique approach, often including humor, unusual situations and a high degree of creativity. Ford’s ads for Kirin Lager are a perfect example of this technique. From ordering a beer in perfect Japanese at a traditional restaurant to spending time in unusual situations like getting lost in the woods or relaxing in a sauna, these ads show the actor in situations we would never have imagined if it weren’t for this campaign.
A trip to Kirin Lager ads
The first ad looks pretty familiar, showing Ford walking into a bar and ordering Kirin’s beer. However, the series quickly turns to the unexpected. Imagine a Ford on a Japanese beach, battling a kiosk vendor for a bottle opener, or better yet, in a sauna, in a beer-drinking pantomime of genuine thirst and Kirin can competition. Equal parts absurd and charming, these situations offer a glimpse of a side of Harrison Ford we rarely see.
Beyond their comedic value, these commercials are a testament to the 90s zeitgeist, showing how the image of a Hollywood star transcends cultural and language barriers in advertising. Ford’s choice at the top of the popular ladder was no accident. It represents an ideal image for Kirin, which has a large market in Japan and internationally.
Why do we love these ads?
Japanese television, with its unique approach to entertainment and advertising, offers a refreshing look at how celebrities are used in advertising campaigns. Unlike in the West, where celebrities maintain their seriousness and advertise products, in Japan they engage in comical situations and show aspects of their personalities that are rarely seen in other situations.
These ads aren’t just funny; They are also a window into the cultural interaction between the West and Japan, reminding us how the difference in perception of fame and entertainment can lead to memorable and effective advertising creations. By not taking itself too seriously and not immersing itself in the humor and weirdness of these commercials, Ford has left us with an advertising legacy as lasting as his films.
The ads for Japanese Kirin Lager starring Harrison Ford are more than just ads. They are a time capsule that captures the spirit of the era, a fascinating crossover of cultures and indeed Ford’s unrivaled charisma. These commercials are proof that sometimes seeing our favorite stars in unexpected situations can be just as fun as their best performances.