When was the last time you cried watching a commercial for diapers? If you’ve never shed tears during a Pampers ad, this one from Japan may cause you to do so. The theme of the ad is centered around the idea that a baby’s first birthday is also a mother’s first birthday. A mother who makes it to the milestone of that first birthday should be celebrated and thanked.
In the ad, we see moms taking their one-year-old child to the doctor for a checkup. While they are asking routine questions, the fathers are outside in the hospital hallway setting up a surprise. I won’t give away the surprise, but it’s pretty touching.
The commercial is in Japanese, but you can click on the bottom right side for English captions. It’s worth trying because you get the opportunity to read the heartwarming messages these fathers give. Words like: “I almost cried when you first said hello to our son” and “You were in such pain, but acted so strong”.
One of my favorite messages from a dad is: “She always puts our child first; she eats only the cheaper sushi”. It is a simple and heartwarming look into the way mothers across the world make small sacrifices to care for their children.
Pampers says in the ad: “Today we give dads a moment to say what they feel”.
By far, the most powerful message I heard was: “Thank you for deciding to do this”. I love that message because it takes into consideration the reality of a mother’s choice. Choosing to carry a child and raise them is serious commitment — a commitment that is worthy of respect. These fathers are grateful that their partners chose life. We can tell by their expressions that these moms and children are their father’s greatest gifts.
When the mothers leave the hospital, they are greeted by the fathers with another surprise. As one smiling father holds that surprise, he looks at the mother of his child and says: “I finally learned what true happiness is really about”.
Pampers concludes with: “Thank you moms for the most trying year of your life”. It’s a sweet reminder that being a mom isn’t an easy job, but it’s worth the sacrifice.
