Featuring Haruna Kawaguchi, Taisei Kido, and Hisare Abe! Nippon Steel’s “The World is Made of Steel” series’ third commercials, “Iron Festival” and “Shiritori,” will begin airing nationwide on Wednesday, October 1st. Nippon Steel Corporation Press Release: September 30, 2025 Featuring Haruna Kawaguchi, Taisei Kido, and Hisare Abe! Nippon Steel’s “The World is Made of Steel” series’ third commercials, “Iron Festival” and “Shiritori,” will begin airing nationwide on Wednesday, October 1st. Three siblings perform Nippon Steel exercises with 130 friends at a festival filled with iron! ~In the interview, the siblings play the iron instruments that caught their eye during filming! We’ll also be announcing some of our favorite things! Nippon Steel Corporation (President and CEO, COO: Imai Tadashi (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) will begin airing its new commercials, “Iron Festival” and “Shiritori,” nationwide from Wednesday, October 1, 2025, under the tagline “The world is made of steel.” The commercials feature actors Haruna Kawaguchi and Taisei Kido, and child actor Hisare Abe as three siblings who love iron. This third installment in the commercial series will feature two versions, “Iron Festival” and “Shiritori,” (15-second and 30-second versions, respectively). The globally themed “Iron Festival” version depicts the connection with the world through the scenes of three siblings enjoying music and Nippon Steel gymnastics with friends from all over the world at a festival filled with iron. In the “Shiritori” version, keep an eye out for the three siblings playing “iron-bound” shiritori at a fast pace.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/164778/3/164778-3-bd06e1f0eb3eab660ea3e1962488f019-1920×1080.jpg ■CM Story The “Iron Festival” commercial begins with three siblings visiting an “Iron Festival,” filled with iron objects, arches, and more. Various characters liven up the “Iron Festival,” including a band playing iron instruments, performers dressed as iron statues, and jugglers with iron balls. In this lively venue, the three siblings and 130 friends from around the world perform the familiar “Nippon Steel Exercise.” The commercial concludes with Kawaguchi making music with an iron triangle, proclaiming, “Steel is global.” The commercial also highlights Nippon Steel’s status as a global company, with the lyrics of the Nippon Steel Exercise translated into English and featuring numerous foreigners. The sight of the three siblings enjoying the Nippon Steel Exercise with people from all over the world is a must-see. In the “Shiritori” version, three siblings wait for the train to arrive and start playing a word chain game while they wait. However, what they start with isn’t a regular word chain game, but a “iron-bound” word chain game. While it might seem like a difficult game, the siblings’ love of iron means they can’t help but name one iron product after another. In the end, they become so engrossed in their word chain game that the train passes them by, leading to a humorous twist in which the siblings frantically chase after it. A wide range of iron products appear in the word chain game, from familiar items like nails and gears to less familiar items like a shaft furnace. This commercial makes us realize that iron products are everywhere in our daily lives, a familiar presence that supports our lives, and that they are also the ultimate recycled material that can be reborn into a variety of things. ■CM Overview Title: “Iron Festival” version, “Shiritori” version (15 seconds, 30 seconds) Broadcast start date: Released on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 Starring: Haruna Kawaguchi, Taisei Kido, Hisare Abe Special website:
https://www.nipponsteel.com/company/special-contents/ CM main URL: “Tetsu Fest” version: 15 seconds https://youtu.be/ZCD982vT_uQ 30 seconds https://youtu.be/_JX3P0nSD6o “Shiritori” version: 15 seconds https://youtu.be/w_38U3sBQOw 30 seconds https://youtu.be/NC-EJnsaG98 Making URL :https://youtu.be/UKPv1MDwxC8 ■ Shooting episode The “Shiritori” episode was filmed on a train platform. Reuniting for the first time in a long time, the filming location offered heartwarming moments of Kido asking Abe, “How old are you now?” as they caught up on their recent activities. The highlight of the “iron bondage” shiritori scene is the fast-paced exchange in which the three recite the names of iron products one after another. However, many of the words used were unfamiliar to most viewers, making for an extremely challenging shoot. Before filming, the three of them were seen practicing shiritori together, creating an impressive, harmonious atmosphere. Once the actual shoot began, Kawaguchi and the others encouraged each other, saying, “It’s okay,” and continued to try, even when they made mistakes. They finally succeeded after 15 takes. The moment the OK was given, a huge round of applause erupted on set.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/164778/3/164778-3-121a5b3202181df1f9d9cebc14f5f7d1-3900×2600.jpg The “Iron Festival” episode was a large-scale shoot, with a total of 130 participants, including 90 Japanese and 40 foreign extras. As this was the third time they had performed the Nippon Steel Gymnastics, the performers’ movements seemed completely natural, with Kido even continuing the exercise after the cut was called. Even among the many other cast members, the three were captivated by the performers dressed as iron statues, strikingly asking them questions like, “What kind of life do you lead?” Furthermore, the foreign extras practiced the Nippon Steel Gymnastics moves together, and Kawaguchi even smiled and spoke to foreign children, providing a glimpse of global interaction on set.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/164778/3/164778-3-2e21ee1fea009d006d696f599ab8e3ab-3900×2600.jpg ■”Iron Festival” (15 seconds) Cut Sheet
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/164778/3/164778-3-d5a29a9c0af2cc48a291ddcf1ea9f60a-720×1040.jpg ■“Shiritori” version (15 seconds) cut sheet
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/164778/3/164778-3-dc96fe61a9eea46b4d71faa3bbc3e2d7-720×1040.jpg ■Interview with Kawaguchi Haruna, Kido Taisei, and Abe Hisare (excerpts) –Thank you for your hard work on the filming. What are the highlights of this commercial? 【Kawaguchi-san】: We shot two
commercials. One was a heartwarming one with the three of us playing a word chain game. The other was a lively one with lots of extras. It was really like a festival. 【Abe-san】: The shiritori game was fun to learn, but it was difficult to actually do it on film, and each word was quite esoteric, reflecting the “three siblings who love steel.” 【Kido-san】: We all worked really hard. People from all over the world also participated in the festival, and it was fun doing the usual Nippon Steel exercises together. —Many iron instruments were featured in this “Iron Festival” episode. Are there any that caught your eye or that you’d like to try playing? [Mr. Abe]: This (the waterphone) caught my eye. It’s got a bunch of iron bars and a rather strange shape, so I’m curious to know what kind of sound it makes. Kawaguchi-san: I’m curious about this one in the middle (the “bell-rilla”). It looks like a metallophone. It’s really heavy. -Staff: This one’s called a “bell-rilla,” and you pick it up and hit it with your hand. 【Kawaguchi-san】: Wow, this is amazing! It’s heavy. It’s so heavy, it must be hard to play. 【Kido-san】: I was wondering about this while we were filming. This (steel pan) is amazing, it has the alphabet written on it. I wonder if it’s different depending on the location? (Actually plays) Wow! Amazing. 【Kawaguchi-san】: The expressions on the cast members’ faces while they were playing this were also amazing. Everyone looked so happy and lively. 【Kido-san】: When the first three members appeared, the band members were so lively and amazing. –In the “Iron Festival” episode, various iron sculptures appear. Could you tell us if you’ve made anything by hand recently? [Abe]: I made a beaded bracelet for myself in blue tones. 【Kido-san】: Does it take a long time? 【Abe-san】: The holes were quite small, so I was making them while screaming, “Ahhh!” (laughs) 【Kido-san】: I used to cook, and I really liked making dishes like oyakodon. Lately, I’ve been focusing on protein, so I try to make as many dishes as possible that provide that. –There were many foreign extras in this
commercial. Have you had any recent experiences where you came into contact with English or the world? 【Abe】: As for English, my school does an English version of radio calisthenics, and since we have our sports day coming up soon, I’ve been practicing almost every day. 【Kawaguchi-san】: So all the explanations are in English, right? 【Kido-san】: That’s incredibly global! 【Kido】: I recently had the opportunity to visit a golf course run by an American, and the person I was with spoke fluent English, asking things like, “Should we try this course next?” It was fun to visit a golf course that felt like it was overseas, even though it’s in Japan. 【Kawaguchi】: I have a desire to travel overseas. One place I’ve wanted to go but haven’t been to yet is Scandinavia. Since I’ve never been to that area, I’m really curious about the scenery, the food, and things like that. –You three are set to be three siblings who love iron. What is it that you all love most? 【Abe】: I absolutely love books. I often take a book with me when I go out or wherever I go. Anything story-based. I read mysteries, and sometimes romance novels I borrow from friends. 【Kido-san】: I’m gradually increasing the number of houseplants in my house. Of course, I enjoy watching them grow, but I also love when I have to move them to bigger pots because the roots get too crowded. 【Kawaguchi-san】: I know that. I have houseplants too. They’re pretty big. First thing in the morning, I spray them with a mist sprayer and give them water. I also have a fan on, as it seems like it would be better if there was some air blowing on them. I also have a camera attached to my houseplants so that when I’m out at work I can check to see if they’re OK and if they’re getting some air. ■ Performer Profile Haruna Kawaguchi Born February 10, 1995, in Nagasaki Prefecture. She made her acting debut in 2009 in “Tokyo Dogs,” and in 2011, she starred in her first TV drama, “Ouran High School Host Club.” Since then, he has appeared in films and dramas such as the 2020 drama “The Way of the Househusband,” the 2021 drama “There’s a Reason Why We Dress Up,” the 2022 morning drama “Chimudondon,” the 2022 popular drama “Silent,” the 2023 drama “Hayabusa Fire Brigade,” the 2024 drama “9 Border,” and the January 2025 drama “Ensemble.” He is also active in a wide range of fields, including being a regular on the human observation variety show “Monitoring,” hosting the “72nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen,” and running the YouTube channel “Haru Channel.” Kido Taisei Born December 10, 1996, Fukuoka Prefecture He made his acting debut in the 2017 drama “We Did It.” In 2018, he appeared on NHK’s “With Dad,” where he served as a regular for about three years. He gained further attention for playing the younger version of the protagonist, Harumichi Namiki, in the Netflix drama “First Love.” He is a talented actor sure to become a star. He has appeared in numerous popular dramas, including “Yuria Sensei’s Red Thread” (TV Asahi), “9 Border” (TBS), “The Beginning of the Sea” (CX), and “Vanilla Everyday” (NHK). He has also been cast in the film “WINDBREAKER” (released December 2025), playing the role of Akihiko Nirei. Abe Kurea Born September 26, 2013 Major appearances: Films include “Aircraft Carrier Ibuki,” “How to Find Your Perfect Life,” and “Phase of the Moon,” and dramas include “You Have a Home to Return to,” “Your Turn to Kill,” “Three More Times I’ll See You x 10 3 Times I Met You,” “Saturday Drama: 35-Year-Old Girl,” “Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department First Investigative Division Chief: The Strongest Detective Who Rised from the Ranks! Season 6,” “PICU: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit,” and “On a Starry Night.” ■About Nippon Steel Nippon Steel is the largest steel manufacturer in Japan and one of the world’s leading manufacturers, with manufacturing bases in Japan and more than 15 countries around the world. With steelmaking at its core, the Nippon Steel Group promotes four business areas: engineering, chemicals & materials, and system solutions. The four pillars of its management plan are “restructuring the domestic steelmaking business and strengthening group management,” “promoting a global strategy to evolve and expand overseas businesses,” “challenging carbon neutrality,” and “promoting a digital transformation strategy.” Aiming to become the “world’s No. 1 steelmaker in terms of comprehensive capabilities,” the company pursues the world’s most advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities, contributing to the development of society by providing superior products and services. Press release attachments