Meiji Co., Ltd. (President and Representative Director: Fumijiro Yao) will launch a new TV commercial "Humanity's Wish" nationwide on June 30, 2026 (Tuesday), featuring actress Koji Ikebata for the drink type of the new "BIOPRO" series from "SABAS," Japan's No. 1 protein drink brand*1.

This product is a new protein drink that supports protein absorption by breaking down protein molecules with the power of lactic acid fermentation, pursuing rationality in body building. For this new TV commercial, we have cast Koji Ikebata, an actress currently experiencing a surge in popularity as a leading figure of the next generation. Please pay attention to Koji Ikebata's fresh and powerful presence.

*1 INTAGE SRI+ Protein Drink Market January-December 2025 Brand Sales Amount

New SABAS Commercial

● TV Commercial "Humanity's Wish"

The highlight of this commercial is the pitching scene, where Koji Ikebata powerfully throws a blue sphere, symbolizing lactic acid fermentation, at a giant yellow sphere symbolizing protein. The protein sphere shatters into countless particles, expressing the characteristic of SABAS BIOPRO: "It breaks down protein and aids absorption through the power of lactic acid fermentation." In the scene where she surrenders to the falling particles and the scene where she drinks the product, she shows a dignified expression, embodying the message "Straight to the Body." throughout the commercial, resulting in visuals that symbolize the new product.

On-Set Report

● Pay attention to the natural acting full of fresh charm!

The shoot took place in a fantastical world inspired by a white land and a deep blue sky. Responding to the director's request to "try anything you like," Koji Ikebata demonstrated her natural and fresh acting skills with her inherent expressiveness. Communication with the staff proceeded harmoniously throughout, filling the set with a bright atmosphere. During breaks, she was seen intently checking the monitor, showing both the vibrancy of an 18-year-old and a professional side.

● Staff applauded her powerful pitching form

Before the shoot, she practiced her pitching form repeatedly, meticulously checking it dozens of times. In the actual take, the results of her practice were fully demonstrated as she showcased a powerful and beautiful pitching form. The serious expression and dynamic movements at the moment of throwing the ball elicited gasps and applause from the staff. The director exclaimed, "Cool!" and she delivered a performance close to perfection in one take, greatly energizing the set.

● TV Commercial "Humanity's Wish" (30 seconds)

● TV Commercial "Humanity's Wish" (15 seconds)

Interview with Koji Ikebata

Q. Thank you for your hard work on the shoot. First, please tell us your thoughts on completing the commercial shoot.

→ Standing barefoot on the sand was very novel, as it's not something I do often in my daily life. The shoot involved imagining protein and lactic acid, so I was dealing with spheres that I couldn't imagine from my everyday life, and actually throwing a ball, which was also a very fun and fresh experience.

Q. Please tell us which scene you'd like viewers to focus on.

→ The scene where I throw the sphere. I practiced extensively beforehand, and the instructor taught me about beautiful form and how to create a form that generates power and momentum. I think that's the main highlight.

Q. If you were to give your pitching today a score, what would it be?

→ 100 points (laughs). I saw the actual footage, and there were many parts where I thought, "My form is actually quite good," so I'm really looking forward to the finished commercial.

Q. Please tell us your thoughts on actually drinking "SABAS BIOPRO."

→ I was surprised by how delicious it was when I drank it. Before I knew it, the amount had significantly decreased, and it was so easy to drink that I found myself gulping it down. The sweetness and tartness of the yogurt were well-balanced, and it's a flavor I'd want to drink a lot of in my daily life, not just after exercise.

Q. As this is a protein commercial, when do you usually drink protein?

→ I really enjoy dancing, and I often dance at home, so I usually drink it after exercising like that. Also, when I feel like I might not be getting enough protein in my daily life, I drink it.

Q. Since it's a protein commercial, please tell us about your commitment and routine for building your body.

→ Because my metabolism is good, I make sure to drink plenty of water every day. I'm always conscious of it, whether I'm on set, at home, or during meals. I also like walking, so I walk between stations. For example, I might think, "It's a bit far, but I'll walk from this station to the studio," and I enjoy walking and discovering various natural sights, which I think contributes to maintaining a healthy body.

Q. "SABAS BIOPRO" aids protein absorption with the power of lactic acid fermentation. Related to absorption, can you tell us about something you've recently grown in?

→ There was a scene in a drama where I had to express strong emotions. I had a moment where, after receiving the other actor's performance, I was able to process it thoroughly within myself and then express my emotions. It was a new feeling for me, and I felt like I might have grown compared to my past self, so I want to remember the feelings I had in that moment.

Q. The "SABAS BIOPRO" commercial expresses the "miraculous encounter" between protein and lactic acid. You graduated from high school in spring and entered a new environment. Have you experienced any "miraculous encounters"?

→ I had been looking for my favorite mug at home but couldn't find it. By chance, I found a mug on a trip, and that was a miraculous encounter for me. It's actually not a mug or a teacup, but a soba choko, and I use it as a teacup because it has purple flowers painted on it, and I love the color purple. I found it at a pottery shop and it's been my favorite ever since. I think, "Ah, this might be a miraculous encounter."

Q. Are you generally interested in pottery?

→ Yes. I've always been interested, and I like finding my own plates and cups. When I was looking for something at a shop, I found something that really appealed to me, and it was my first purchase.

Q. "SABAS BIOPRO" will be released on June 30th, just before summer. Please tell us about your body-building efforts for this summer.

→ I enjoy dancing and am conscious of moving my body regularly. Also, for the summer, I'm eating a lot of tomatoes. I've heard they're good for the skin and health, so I've been enjoying eating them with a coarse salt, like rock salt, sprinkled on top.

Q. This year marks about 5 years since your debut. How do you look back on these past 5 years? And what do you want to challenge yourself with in the future?

→ The 5 years have flown by. I realized it had been 5 years before I knew it. Sometimes I look back at old photos and find myself wondering, "When was this taken?" I really love this job, and I think I'll continue to love it forever, so I'm glad I've been able to do it this far. Until now, I've often played student roles, so I'd like to try challenging myself with darker characters.

Q. This year is a year with many international sports competitions, including soccer and baseball. Please tell us about the sports you enjoy watching and playing, and the reasons why.

→ I enjoy watching soccer. I've even attended matches at the stadium and can feel the energy and excitement unique to the venue. Also, the players running straight towards the ball is truly cool. As for sports I actually play, it's badminton. I was in the badminton club, and although I haven't played much recently, I'd like to play with friends when I see them next.

Product Overview

SABAS BIOPRO Yogurt Flavor

"SABAS BIOPRO Yogurt Flavor" contains 15g of "fermented protein," which is protein fermented with lactic acid bacteria. "Fermented protein" is made by breaking down protein molecules into smaller molecules through the "fermentation absorption method" using lactic acid bacteria, making it easier for the body to absorb.

It also has a natural, gentle sourness and sweetness derived from fermentation, contributing to a delicious flavor that can be enjoyed even at room temperature. The lactic acid bacteria were selected from our company's lactic acid bacteria to create a refreshing flavor perfect for exercise. It is high in protein*2, delicious at room temperature, and easy to drink from post-workout to everyday situations, with a "Yogurt Flavor."

Contents: 300ml

Suggested Retail Price: 260 yen (excluding tax)

*2 High protein: 8.5g or more protein per 100kcal of product (Food Labeling Standards)

About Koji Ikebata

Born September 8, 2007, from Tokyo, Actor.

Began her career after winning the Grand Prix in the 2021 "Nicola" magazine audition.

Made her TV drama debut in the TBS Sunday drama "Old Rookie" (2022). Subsequently, she played her first leading role in her live-action film debut in "Yano-kun no Futsu no Hibi" (2024/Director: Takehiko Shinjo). Her role as Takato Rei, the protagonist's best friend, in "Strawberry Moon: A Love Story with Half a Year to Live" (2025/Director: Mai Sakai) also garnered attention. She is also appearing in Fuji TV's "Saba Can Goes to Space" (2026).

Appointed as the "21st Support Manager" for the 104th National High School Soccer Tournament, she is a highly anticipated rising star.

Commercial Overview

Broadcast Start: June 30, 2026 (Tuesday) - Nationwide broadcast begins

Commercial Type: TV Commercial "Humanity's Wish"

【Staff List】

Advertiser: Meiji Co., Ltd.

Advertising Agency: bytime

Creative: Drill

Production Company: HAT

Casting: sync, Meiji Ad Agency

● Creative

CD: Yusuke Yanagishita

CD/Art Director: Hideaki Takahashi

Copywriter: Kyoko Yamada

Producer: Mami Morioka

● Account Planning

Account Planner: Shoji Nishimura, Naoya Imaki, Rui Egawa, Ryuki Nanbayashi

● Movie

Producer: Shoji Matsui, Atsushi Yahata

Production Manager: Satoshi Nirenki, Haruka Takeshita

Director: Seishi Toyosumi

Videographer: Kodai Miyagawa

Lighting Director: Masahiro Inoue

Art Department: Yukiko Kuribayashi

Recording: Kaoru Sakata

Stylist: Yuki Owada

Hair&Make: Riho Takigawa

● Graphic

Photographer: Masahiro Shoda

Stylist: Yuki Owada

Hair&Make: Riho Takigawa

Producer: Yuka Tamura

Designer: Takamichi Kono

Retoucher: Teruyo Murayama

● Casting

Casting: Kenta Uchisaka, Ryota Furuhashi

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 商品発表
  • Organizations: bytime / Drill / HAT