Hideki 'Godzilla' Matsui vs. Godzilla 'Godzilla' Godzilla

Let's skirt around the idea that a cold can of coffee would be called Fire. (Video by YouTube user ikasamaCM117)

New York Yankees all-star left fielder and designated hitter Hideki Matsui is famously nicknamed 'Godzilla,' but this was not always a term of endearment. Apparently, he first earned this appellation not just for his monstrously strong arms but also for his monstrously acne-scarred face.

But in a recent commercial for the new 'Hi no Megumi' ('Blessing of Fire') flavor of Kirin Beverage's Fire canned coffee brand, Matsui has fully embraced the Godzilla title... by appearing side by side with the mythical monster.

We learn through the ad copy that "You don't just become skilled one day out of the blue" -- a reference to Fire's long legacy of delivering home-run cans of coffee. We also learn that Matsui has frightening pyrokinetic abilities, which you would think he could leverage into an even more profitable career than baseball. This willful production of fire, however, posits a third ability beyond strength and complexion that links the two famed Japanese exports.

Matsui does not lose much gravitas when the real Godzilla shows up at the end -- for no apparent reason. The directors worked hard to make sure the mutant giant creature looks little more than a toy monster compared to Matsui's giant visage. (Don't worry, they made up for this deprecation in Godzilla's paycheck.)

The commercial does serve as a strong reminder of Matsui's raw power, but I am not sure all these shots of great conflagration in the middle of summer make me excited to find refreshment in a product called 'Fire.' It may take a few months of chilly temperature for me to truly appreciate the 'blessing of fire.'