2026.1.1 KANEBO’s New Commercial “Life Is a Journey”
KANEBO is a cosmetics brand that conveys not just beauty but hope through its message "I HOPE." The company will release a new web commercial on January 1, 2026. The brand’s philosophy—that the passing years represent growth rather than aging, and that life is an ongoing, precious journey—is expressed through the energetic performance of Shiho Ochi of Superfly and visuals that interweave past, present, and future.
“Life Is a Journey”
KANEBO positions cosmetics not as tools to pursue beauty or preserve youth, but as partners that help people cherish the present and move toward a hopeful future. People grow at every age, and hope is present in every moment. Through the phrase "Life is a journey," the commercial conveys our vision and commitment to craftsmanship in cosmetics.
Shiho’s sincere performance echoes our dedication to craftsmanship
This commercial was inspired by the shared values of KANEBO and Shiho Ochi, both as Superfly and as an individual. Her energetic passion, underpinned by stoic, earnest dedication, has long delivered powerful, life-affirming messages through her songs. In this video, she conveys our aspiration to be a source of strength for everyone moving forward.
Past, Present, and Future — All selves coexist vibrantly
This commercial interweaves the real Shiho, age 41, with AI-generated past and future versions of herself. We aimed to capture the experience of living in the present alongside all versions of Shiho — from childhood and her striking debut in her twenties to the years ahead. We held repeated meetings to explore her childhood dreams and how future Shiho might engage with her singing and her life.
Superfly (Shiho Ochi)
artist
"Ten seconds may seem brief, but it feels like an eternity to me. Seeking answers in a boundless world is a truly precious experience. I've rarely felt as accomplished as I do now, after creating this musical moment. I want to sing songs like this again."
Shiho sang a verse of "Lips, Express Your Hope.” Her heart-stirring voice, together with the commercial's message, powerfully conveys hope that celebrates life.
I HOPE. Cream or dream?
2025.9.5 KANEBO’s new commercial “I HOPE. Cream or dream?”
KANEBO, a brand that communicates not merely beauty but hope with its message: “I HOPE.” announced a new web commercial set to be released on September 5, 2025. Respecting the evolution of life reflected in human skin and the strength of humanity with a history of over 4 billion years, the commercial expresses KANEBO's aspiration to create cosmetics that embrace all aspects of who people are.
Cream or dream?
KANEBO develops products through research in “Life Intelligence”—a philosophy that harnesses the evolution and strength of life, learning from the wisdom of organisms that have survived. Since life emerged on this planet 4 billion years ago, living things have continually evolved to overcome countless hardships. Inspired by the strength, beauty, and hope of humanity, KANEBO aims to create cosmetics that embrace all aspects. Their products are designed to bring out “hope” within every individual, celebrating the strength of life. This commitment is encapsulated in their tagline: “Cream or dream?”
The memory of life's evolution
The human body and the skin hold the memory of life's evolution. The commercial depicts “4 billion years of life's history” through artwork that interacts with it. Various living organisms move dynamically around the performers, symbolizing the memory of life and demonstrating the ongoing connection from ancient times. The flow of life until today is represented through CG and animation. The filming aimed to capture the strength of life and its essence, allowing viewers to feel that connection.
The power of life
Five cast members embody the symbols “hope.” Their authentic expressions and strong presence demonstrate the vitality that flows through them. This power of life, evident in facing challenges and remaining true to themselves, is depicted through dynamic oceans and deep forests that have nurtured life for centuries.