Tomoyasu Hotei: Playing brothers in a commercial with his best friend, Etsushi Toyokawa, who is the same age as him

It has been announced that guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei will be appearing in the new "Carbohydrate Brothers" TV commercial for Kirin Beer's "Kirin Ichiban Shibori Sugar-Free," which will be broadcast nationwide from September 1st. He will play the role of brothers with his close friend Etsushi Toyokawa, who is the same age as him and has been his friend for over 20 years, both 63 years old.

The commercial is the latest in the series, starring Toyokawa as a "slightly stubborn father" and Ayami Nakajo as a "modern daughter." Hotei will be making his debut as Toyokawa's older brother and Nakajo's uncle. The commercial was released on YouTube ahead of its TV broadcast.

Seeing the zero-carb beer his "niece" Nakajo has bought, Hotei asks, "Are you drinking this kind of thing?" To which his "younger brother" Toyokawa replies, "Worrying about carbs isn't rock, bro?" Nakajo then plays his guitar and makes a sharp comment, "Are people who drink carbs rock? Carbs and taste are no longer related, 'Carb Brothers'." This leads to the two drinking the newly revamped "Ichiban Shibori Zero Carb" beer and being impressed by its deliciousness. The video ends with Hotei strumming his guitar while Toyokawa and Nakajo dance enthusiastically to the music.

Regarding his appearance in the commercial, Hotei commented, "I've always met Toyokawa-kun privately, so it felt a little strange. What's more, he has a wonderful daughter called Nakajo-san." Nakajo expressed her delight, saying, "With Hotei-san as my uncle, I'm really happy to be a part of such a rock and roll family."

Toyokawa revealed about their friendship, saying, "I've known Hotei for a long time, more than 20 years. We often go to hot springs together." Hotei responded, "Etsushi Toyokawa and I went to a hot spring together. I was so excited (laughs)." He added, "If we're not careful, we might not see each other for a year, but when we meet after a long time, it feels like we just met yesterday. It's good to have friends like that."