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AKB48's Veggie Ranger Ad Cosplay Designed by Trigun's Nightow

Japanese idol group AKB48 will begin starring in sentai-themed commercials for Kagome vegetable juice on June 9. 30 members of the group were transformed into Balance Sentai Veggie Rangers for the upcoming commercials for Yasai Ichinichi Kore Ippon drinks.

In the commercials, AKB48 in "mysterious 'sentai cosplay'" fight for justice and to rescue citizens from unhealthy diets, complete with fighting poses and transformation CG. The group includes Yūko Ōshima as "Houranger" (Spinach Ranger), Yuki Kashiwagi as "Kaboranger" (Pumpkin Ranger), and Mariko Shinoda as "Tamaneginger" (Onion Ranger). Trigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow designed the costumes.

Kagome sold its vegetable juice in the United States, although its English website only displays its sauces now.

For the past two years, the group appeared in annual advertising for Kagome as the vegetable-themed "Yasai Sisters" (Vegetable Sisters). Departing AKB48 member Atsuko Maeda once played the tomato in the previous ads, but Minami Takahashi now plays "Tomaranger" this year. Maeda will instead play a business person in a pink uniform who the Veggie Rangers protect from overeating, while Rino Sashihara will play the comical "Veggie Ranger Robo."

In an unrelated development, Tokyograph noted that British rocker Noel Gallagher commented on his May 25 appearance on the Music Station television program with AKB48.

Minami Takahashi as Tomaranger (Tomato)

Tomomi Itano as Nasuranger (Eggplant)

Aki Takajō as Yomoranger (Mugwort)

Minami Minegishi as Ninjinger (Carrot)

Yui Yokoyama as Cauliflowanger (Cauliflower)

Yūko Ōshima as Houranger (Spinach)

Mariko Shinoda as Tamaneginger (Onion Ginger)

Haruna Kojima as Asparanger (Asparagus)

Sae Miyazawa as Broccolinger (Broccoli)

Mayu Watanabe as Akapeemanger (Red Bellpepper)

Yuki Kashiwagi as Kaboranger (Pumpkin)

Rie Kitahara as Muraimonger (Purple Yam)

Tomomi Kasai as Lettucenger (Lettuce)

Asuka Kuramochi as Paseranger (Parsley)

Haruka Shimazaki as Beetonger (Beet)

Mina Ōba as Komatsunanger (Japanese Mustard Spinach)

Haruka Shimada as Moroheiger (Egyptian Spinach)

Anna Iriyama as Celoringer (Celery)

Rena Katō as Daikonger (Daikon Radish)

Maria Abe as Ashitabanger (Ashitaba)

Miyū Takeuchi as Ginger (Ginger)

Karen Iwata as Karunger (Kale)

Mariya Nagao as Hakusaiger (Napa Cabbage)

Miori Ichikawa as Petitveranger (Petit Vert)

Mariko Nakamura as Goboranger (Burdock Root)

Rina Kawaei as Chingenger (Bok Choy)

Suzuran Yamauchi as Muracaberanger (Red Cabbage)

Shiori Nakamata as Akashisonger (Red Shiso)

Juri Takahashi as Greenpeager (Green Pea)

Yūka Tano as Cressonger (Garden Cress)

Source: Tokyo Walker (News Gate)

Update: Video added.

Image © Kagome