Keisuke Kuwata — the legendary frontman of Southern All Stars and one of Japan's most celebrated solo artists — has written four original songs for Kanro's new corporate CM campaign "Sweet na Mirai e!!" (Sweet Future), which began airing today, June 1. Kuwata also appears in the commercials himself.
After being approached by Kanro — known for their Kanro candy and Puregumi products, operating under the corporate purpose "Sweeten the Future" — Kuwata was initially asked to provide just one song. However, he surprised the company by composing four different versions spanning enka, disco, rock, and doo-wop styles.
The Four CM Versions
The resulting commercials, set in a karaoke cafe with Kuwata performing each song captured on smartphone-style camera for an intimate feel, are:
- "Mitara Shijou / Enka Hen" (Enka version)
- "Ame to Mirrorball / Disco Version" (Disco)
- "Ame-chan Man / Rock Hen" (Rock)
- "Seinaru Kanro Ame / Doo-Wop Version" (Doo-Wop)
This follows Kanro's previous use of Kuwata's song "Ashita e no March" in a late 2025 CM campaign, which kicked off their partnership under the key message "Delivering each piece to you."
New Single 'Hitotarashi'
All four CM songs will be included on Kuwata's new single "Hitotarashi" (人誑し), releasing June 24. The single title track "Hitotarashi" itself is an additional new song, making this a remarkably generous release of five original tracks.
Community Reception
The news has generated 36 reader reactions on Natalie, where fans expressed delight at Kuwata's characteristically over-delivering approach. The CM videos are available on Kanro's official YouTube channel, showcasing Kuwata — now 70 years old, born February 26, 1956 in Chigasaki, Kanagawa — in exceptional form across four distinct musical genres.
The multi-genre approach has been particularly praised, with fans noting that Kuwata's versatility across enka, disco, rock, and doo-wop demonstrates why he remains at the top of Japan's music scene after nearly 50 years since Southern All Stars' 1978 debut "Katte ni Shindbad."