Tokyo City Keiba (TCK) will release its new commercial “Tokyo Derby STAR☆T,” starring 2026 TCK image character Ryusei Yokohama, on its official website from May 14. The commercial will begin airing on terrestrial television and other media from May 24. The campaign promotes the 72nd Tokyo Derby (Jp I), the second leg of the Three-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown, to be held on June 10. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Twinkle Race, Japan’s first nighttime horse racing event. The annual communication theme is “Twinkle Race STAR☆T, lighting up Japan!” TCK aims to bring new brilliance to longtime racing fans and first-time visitors alike through encounters with dirt racing, while showcasing the appeal of TCK races together with Ryusei Yokohama. The race copy for the 72nd Tokyo Derby is: “Once in a lifetime. Don’t miss the dirt derby.” Held as a dirt graded race (Jp I) since two years ago, the Tokyo Derby is the second leg of the Three-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown and draws strong attention as a race that determines the generational champion in the dirt racing division. The commercial is set amid illuminations that color the Twinkle Race experience. Ryusei Yokohama strides through graphic lights reminiscent of a music video set, looking around as if discovering such a dazzling place for the first time. His monologue says: “A once-in-a-lifetime dirt derby. A dirt derby only for three-year-old horses. Don’t miss it.” The commercial closes with his direct-to-camera line: “Shine, three-year-old stars.” The commercial continues to use the image song “TWINKLE TWINKLE DIRT STAR,” sung by Mika Nakashima, with newly rewritten lyrics tailored to this race. Built on the familiar melody of Twinkle Race, the song serves as an original theme that expresses TCK’s distinctive world. In the making-of footage, Yokohama’s smooth, wind-cutting walk and the camera work are highlights. Active in fashion as well, he displayed beautiful posture, natural eye movement, and a commanding presence.