The relatively long-running beer TV commercials for Kirin featuring famous parents with their children (or famous children with their parents) have been rather shamelessly copycatted by Suntory this autumn for their Premium Malts brand.
In the latter, “Japanese Mick Jagger” Eikichi Yazawa stars with his daughter, (newly turned) singer Yoko. Kirin, on the other hand, focus a lot on actors and sports stars. Their approach is more documentary, with snippets of seemingly genuine conversation played under a famously nostalgic song. Suntory adopt a more snazzy and polished CM style, shot in a pseudo black-and-white (except for the golden frothy brew) and with ingratiating smiles from the star.
Admittedly, Suntory has used Yazawa (whose rather smug face adorns posters and TV ads for Sony too) and other celebrities for some time, but this more recent decision to create the parent-child scenario is clearly a rip-off.
William is one of the editors of JapanTrends.com and a Project Manager at 
This may have to do with Suntory’s bid to acquire Kirin. The proposed merger would make for the largest alcoholic distributor in Japan, and quite a business powerhouse.
If it occurs, this would be less of a copycat marketing and more company consistency.
http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2009/09/16/suntory-kirin-look-for-regulatory-clearance-on-proposed-merger.html