Well folks, we can probably expect to hear of Mr De Niro’s retirement in the next couple of days. After all, now that he’s starred in a television commercial for the Japanese version of the upcoming 2010 Subaru Liberty (sold overseas as the Legacy), what’s left to achieve?

You might think it’s an odd pairing, but Japan’s TV advertising has embraced the concept of foreign celebrities flogging the country’s wares for decades, and many big-name American stars have taken part - including the likes of Brad Pitt and Sean Connery.  The trend even formed the basis of the film Lost in Translation.

One can only wonder at the astronomical figure De Niro must have received for the two short sentences and brief glimpses of his face this commercial offers, but one thing is for sure: I have this sudden urge to buy the 2010 Subaru Liberty.

And get a mohawk.