Okada Junichi dances for the first time in three years in McDonald's new TV commercial for "Puripuri Shrimp Puri"

■ “I haven’t danced since V6, so it’s been a while, but I could still move (laughs)” (Okada Junichi)

A new TV commercial for McDonald’s side dish “Puri Puri Shrimp Plio” starring Junichi Okada has been scheduled to air from September 17th.

The “Puri Puri Shrimp Plio,” which will be sold for a limited time at McDonald’s stores nationwide (excluding some stores) from September 18th, is a plump side dish that uses shrimp for the first time in 17 years since 2006. It first appeared in 2023 and has recorded sales that exceeded expectations.

Okada appears in the new TV commercial as the “PuriPuri = Shrimp Puri King.” Taking on the era of the two biggest players, potato and nugget, Okada recites the phrase “Let’s make a good Puri, Shrimp Puri” and performs the “Shrimp Dance” to the rhythm of “♪PuriPuri Shrimp Puri.” The commercial is unique and just as addictive as the product itself.

■Countdown to the product release with an original video from “PuriPuri = Shrimp Puri King”!
McDonald’s official X (formerly Twitter) will be running a countdown to the launch of “Puri Puri Ebiplio” from September 12th, along with an original video that shows various aspects of “Puri Puri = Shrimp King” that could not be shown in the commercial. Enjoy the period until the release with six fascinating videos that tell the story surrounding Shrimp King and his unique appearance.

■The PuriPuri biography series “Ebipuri King” about the “PuriPuri = Shrimp Puri King” will continue as a serial in 2024!
The popular PuriPuri biography series “EbiPuri King” will be serialized again in 2023. What is the legend of “PuriPuri = EbiPuri King” who appeared at McDonald’s Japan while the two major forces of potato and nugget are fighting for power to unify the world? It will be released on McDonald’s official X (formerly Twitter) and McDonald’s official TikTok account from September 18th.

■X campaign also implemented!
In addition, there is also a campaign on X (formerly Twitter) where you can win a Mac card by replying to the message. This is also worth checking out.

■ Interview with Junichi Okada
Q. You appear in a commercial as the “PuriPuri = Shrimp Puri King,” who calls a halt to the two-strong era of fries and nuggets and loudly declares, “I’m going with shrimp.” What are your thoughts on becoming the “Shrimp Puri King”?
Okada:When I put on the costume and makeup for this time, people around me said that I looked like a king, so I tried my best to create the atmosphere of a “king who is famous in the era” (laughs). There is an atmosphere of a king, right? Like someone who moves the era. I was very conscious of creating that atmosphere when I acted.
Q. There was a dance scene in the film. How long had it been since you last danced?
Okada:It’s been 3 years since I last danced. I haven’t danced since my time with V6, so it’s been a while, but I was still able to move (laughs).
Q. What are your thoughts on the bouncy side dish “Puri Puri Shrimp Plio,” which, with its crispy batter and bouncy shrimp, puts a stop to the two biggest side dishes, potato nuggets and prawns?
Okada:This really is very plump (just as the name suggests). This plumpness is really delicious. I’d love for everyone to try it. I can’t stop eating the plump and crunchy texture. Also, the crispy texture when you put it in your mouth is great. I can’t get enough of it. The shrimp aroma spreads all over the place, so when you eat it, please try to imitate the way you pick up the Shrimp Puri King. The trick is to hold it as close to the edge as possible (so you can feel the plumpness) (laughs).
Q. In this commercial, you play a unique role as “PuriPuri = Shrimpuri King” and you say many famous lines such as “We’re going to change history” and “Let’s make a good Puri, Shrimpurio”. What is your favourite famous line (or famous quote)?
Okada:Famous quotes… There are famous quotes that strangle themselves (laughs). I often create action scenes on set, and when I’m asked about various detailed actions, it becomes difficult to explain, so I try to answer “Sense!” (laughs). It basically means “Let’s match it with our sense!”, but the other day, I was asked various things about my work, and after I said “You came to the workplace to show your sense, right? Everyone!”, I thought to myself (about what I said) “Wow, that’s scary” (laughs). I always say famous quotes that strangle myself. And I get myself pumped up, or rather, I get myself in the mood. If I say “Sense!” too much, I’m actually strangling myself (laughs).
Q. What did you think of the sense on set this time?
Okada:Of course, I wouldn’t say it on the first meeting (laughs). We’ve been together for a long time on filming movies and creating action scenes, and I say, “Let’s match it with our sense.” Especially when it’s a set where creators gather, I’ll say, “You’re here to show me your sense, aren’t you!?” But in fact, I was the one who was strangled the most… That’s scary (laughs).
Q. The commercial ends with the words, “Aiming to become a new classic,” but what do you think is “a sure thing” or “a sure thing that can’t be left out” for you right now?
Okada:Recently, I’ve been into… “vessels” and “stones.” There are still vessels from the Edo period and the end of the Edo period that have been treasured for daily use, and I really like the feeling that using such things carefully enriches (my heart and life). When it comes to stones, the possibilities are endless. Recently, I’ve been loving the Asuka (village) tumulus (Ishibutai tumulus), can you tell? It’s so cool. The Asuka (village) tumulus is really cool. I’ve been thinking recently that I want to make something like the Asuka (village) tumulus. The exquisite form and balance, the size of each stone, the sense and form of lining them up, and the harmony that nature and humans have created are irresistible. I’ve always loved stone walls, but they’ve become a staple for me lately. But (unfortunately), I can’t really talk about how good they are with anyone, so I’m looking for someone to talk to about the Asuka (village) tumulus (laughs).
Q. Speaking of autumn, what are some things or activities that are considered autumn classics?
Okada:Do you know? McDonald’s coffee is delicious (laughs). I’ve been saying that for a long time. I want to read a book while drinking McDonald’s coffee. I wish I had that kind of time. Autumn is not the season for reading, but the season for McDonald’s coffee. Don’t get me wrong. For me, reading is only possible with McDonald’s coffee (laughs). (Looking at the camera) McDonald’s coffee is delicious, both hot and iced, so please give it a try. I recommend it!
Q. Please give a message to McDonald’s fans and customers who are looking forward to the shrimp side dish.
Okada:This year, the plump shrimp side dish, which was very popular last year and puts a stop to the era of the two-strong lineup of fries and nuggets, will be available for a limited time. It is bite-sized and easy to eat, with a crispy batter, plump shrimp texture, and an irresistible pepper and salty taste that will have you coming back for more. Aiming to become a new classic! Enjoy the plump shrimp plio at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide from September 18th!