What Did Tori Matsuzaka Say He Wants to Continue Doing Even 20 Years From Now…?

The Shooting Set Began in a Dignified Atmosphere, with Him Dressed in a Custom-Made Kimono

Mr. Matsuzaka arrived on set wearing a custom-made outfit tailored specifically for this shoot. As the filming took place in a quaint traditional Japanese house, the shoot began in a serene, dignified atmosphere. When the director gave the cue to take a bite of the rice, he couldn’t help but smile. Even after the director yelled “cut,” he was seen gently bringing the rice bowl closer to take in the aroma of the freshly cooked rice, revealing the genuine face of Mr. Matsuzaka, who is known to be a “huge rice lover.”

Surprised by the “20th Anniversary of Donabe Rice Cookers.” Once Again, He Experienced the Deliciousness of Donabe Rice Made From Real Clay.

Since the shoot involved consecutive scenes of him taking large bites of white rice, there were moments when the staff offered him a side dish or salt as a palate cleanser, but he intentionally refrained from reaching for them. It was impressive to see how much he appreciated the taste, going so far as to declare, “The white rice alone is a complete dish.”

“It Feels Like a Complete Dish Made Entirely of Rice.” There Were Moments During the Tasting Scenes Where His Chopsticks Just Wouldn’t Stop.

Although there were many tasting scenes on set, he kept eating even after the cut was called. He was particularly moved by the distinct grains (tsubudachi) and umami flavor, saying, “You can feel such satisfaction from the rice alone that it feels like a complete dish.” Furthermore, when asked what he would like to eat it with, he immediately answered, “Miso soup.” He highly praised it, stating, “I think a simple accompaniment makes the umami of the rice stand out even more. I really want everyone to try this!”

Post-Shoot Interview

How do you feel after finishing the shoot for the Tiger Donabe Rice Cooker commercial?

This time, the key word was “authentic,” so I approached it with the intention of putting my heart into it to ensure that message was properly conveyed. Also, hearing that it is the 20th anniversary of Donabe rice cookers… “It uses a truly authentic Donabe. That’s why it can cook such delicious, fluffy rice with deep sweetness.” I really hope this commercial conveys that to as many people as possible.

How was the shoot in traditional Japanese attire?

It’s been a while since I had a shoot in a kimono inside a traditional Japanese house. Wearing a kimono really calms the mind. It feels like my wandering spirit is grounded, or my center of gravity lowers; it’s very comfortable.

Last year, you skipped breakfast before coming to the shoot. Did you do the same this time?

Yes, the same this time (laughs). I even ate less rice the day before (laughs). The sweetness is definitely different. Compared to normally cooked rice, the sweetness is completely different.

The line “The Donabe pot awakens the sweetness of the rice” is quite memorable. Is there anything you’ve “awakened” to recently?

I’ve awakened to waking up early, even on my days off. It’s not exactly ‘the early bird catches the worm,’ but I’ve realized once again that if I wake up around 6 AM, do some chores around the house, and eat a proper breakfast, the day feels incredibly meaningful. So, even on my days off, I try to wake up around 6 AM. It also makes it easier to plan the day. I have the mental leeway of knowing I can start doing things from the morning (laughs). When I sleep in until 11 AM on a day off, it feels like half the day is already gone, but waking up at 6 AM really lets me spend the day meaningfully, which is great.

In connection with the “Donabe Gohoubidaki” (Donabe Premium Cooking), what is something you do as a reward (gohoubi) for yourself?

Making my own coffee in the morning. It gives me a feeling of “I’m going to do my best today!”, kind of like a “reward in advance” to myself (laughs).

In connection with the “20th Anniversary of Donabe Rice Cookers,” what is something you want to continue doing 20 years from now?

“My job.” I don’t know if I’ll still be doing this job 20 years from now, but when I thought about whether there was anything else I wanted to continue doing 20 years down the line, I realized there wasn’t. I’m not sure what my working style will be like, but I want to continue working in expression.

A message to the viewers watching the commercial.

I’m Tori Matsuzaka, and I’ll be appearing in the Tiger Donabe Rice Cooker commercial again this year. Because Tiger’s Donabe rice cooker uses an authentic ceramic pot, it awakens the sweetness of the rice, resulting in exquisite, fluffy, and sweet rice. Please experience the true deliciousness of rice, just like at a first-class traditional Japanese restaurant, which Tiger Corporation has been pursuing with its Donabe rice cookers for 20 years.