Following the commercial success of Yakult’s 2016 campaign ‘Science not Magic’, the Japanese fermented milk drink brand is back with the next epic installment.The 30-second TVC opens on a mystical place of wonder located on a floating island paradise, as a circle of devoted followers are met by a red-dressed heroine holding an ancient, oversized bottle of Yakult. The numerous magical rituals that are purported to create Yakult are described by a first voiceover; from an ‘ancient shuffle’ to a ‘mystical hand swirl’, they supposedly all help to awaken the spirits of the beautiful gut.The actions stir up a magical whirlwind which, before reaching full momentum, is frozen by a second straight-talking voiceover which imparts that Yakult isn’t the result of a magical ritual but is actually developed by Japanese scientists. The revelation pulls the rug on the mystical tale and the whirlwind disappears. A hand illustrated end frame animates on screen to show the iconic Yakult bottle and the super ‘A Little Bottle of Science (not Magic)’; the traditional painted style linking to the wider print, social and digital creative, also launching in September.The 360 campaign, supported by TV, Print, Social, Outdoor and Radio, was created by Quiet Storm and continues to dispel myths surrounding Yakult’s creation, reinforcing in the narrative that Yakult is ‘A Little Bottle of Science (not magic)’.The distinctive ‘epic’ feel of the creative has allowed for better cut through and enabled Yakult to extend their Japanese heritage and scientific credentials by making science relevant, engaging and fun. The new campaign will help further build upon Yakult’s science-based offering, boosting confidence in the minds of consumer.CreditsCreative Directors Matthew Mifsud, Laurence QuinnPlanner Jon HowardArt Director Matthew MifsudCopywriter Laurence QuinnAccount Director Miles McWilliamAgency Producer Elin TibergDirector/ Production Co Tim BrownProducer Elin TibergEditor David OwenPost Production Coffee and TVSound Design WaveDoP Mark PattenMedia planning/buying Hearts & Science