Top Male Actors & Athletes Dominating the Latest CM Rankings!

Captivated by actors you can watch with peace of mind

〈You, who came from Japan, have broken my record. Who could have ever imagined such a thing? Of course, not even I did.〉

A man dressed as Babe Ruth speaks to Shohei Ohtani (30) of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Smiling, Ohtani catches the pure white ball the man tosses to him.

This is a scene from Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ “Dunlop” commercial. Saori Yasutake, a public relations and marketing representative at the television viewership data analysis company “REVISION” (hereafter, R Corporation), explains:

“This commercial had an exceptionally high viewer engagement. Ohtani’s challenge as a two-way player in the majors, his unprecedented records, and the passing down of history from Babe Ruth—all these elements combined with his refreshing image and remarkable achievements made it a standout.”

The table presented ranks male actors and athletes based on how much they captivated viewers in commercials. R Corporation independently analyzed the cumulative time (engagement duration) viewers kept their eyes on the screen. The ranking covers the top 30 among approximately 160 male actors and comedy groups who appeared alone in commercials aired over six months from July to December 2024 (the detailed measurement method is provided at the bottom of the article).

Yasutake continues:

“Since the ranking focuses on male actors, female viewers tend to have a higher engagement time. Women are more likely to be captivated by actors they find likable or comforting to watch. Ryohei Suzuki (41), ranked first, and Takashi Sorimachi (51), ranked third, both appeared in relatively subdued commercials—Suzuki in Kirin Beverage’s ‘Kirin Nama-cha’ and Sorimachi in Toshiba Lifestyle’s ad—where they cheerfully introduce products and services. However, Suzuki’s wide-ranging roles, from historical figures like Saigo Takamori to doctors and teachers, make him a reassuring presence women can easily relate to. Sorimachi, too, once had a rebellious image from his role as a former gang leader-turned-teacher in the drama ‘GTO’ (Fuji TV), but his strong family bonds with his wife, Nanako Matsushima, and their daughters have contributed to his positive reputation as a good husband and father.”

Another notable feature is the presence of athletes in the top rankings, including second-place Shohei Ohtani.

Taichi Aoyagi, a customer success representative at R Corporation, explains:

“Sports figures generally have a clean and refreshing image. The Paris Olympics last summer likely boosted the popularity of athletes. Take Tokito Oda (18), ranked eighth—a rising star who won the gold medal in wheelchair tennis singles at the Paralympics. His scene in Plenus’ ‘Hotto Motto’ commercial, where he enthusiastically enjoys a bento, caught the attention of female viewers who recognized him as that handsome athlete from the Olympics.”