Nostalgic commercials from the 2000s: revisiting ads that left a lasting impression
There are so many TV commercials from the 2000s that still pop into our minds, aren’t there? The melodies we used to hear all the time back then, the memorable taglines, and the uniquely atmospheric visuals—many of those ads we watched casually at the time have likely stayed tucked away in your memory.
In this article, we’ll look back at some nostalgic commercials that aired in the 2000s! You might stumble upon one that makes you exclaim, “I remember that!” Enjoy, and let the vibe of that era wash over you.
Nostalgic commercials from the 2000s: revisiting memorable ads (1–10)
Amato Pharmaceutical Boraginol
This is the Boraginol commercial that many people vividly remember for its voice-over style on still images.
Those who were children at the time may have often wondered, “What on earth is this a commercial for?” The sound logo at the end—“For hemorrhoids, Boraginol”—was also distinctive, and whenever you saw this ad, you couldn’t help but find yourself humming along.
Fujitsu FMVTakuya Kimura, Ittoku Kishibe
This is a commercial for Fujitsu’s FMV computers featuring Takuya Kimura.
It was a running gag that Ittoku Kishibe would show up and engage in a surreal exchange with Kimura, which many people probably found funny and memorable.
In this particular ad, you don’t see Kishibe at first—only to realize that he’s actually playing the underground dweller.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Pocari SweatHaruka Ayase
When you think of Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat, doesn’t it strongly evoke images of youth? In the 2000s, a series of ads featuring Haruka Ayase portraying various scenes of adolescence drew a lot of attention.
They convey a bright, energetic atmosphere of dashing headlong through youth, while reminding us that staying hydrated is essential to enjoy it to the fullest.
The fresh blue sky and the blue packaging of Pocari Sweat work in harmony, highlighting Haruka Ayase’s smile and the brilliance of youth in these commercials.
Kincho KincholHideji Otaki, Kazunori Kishi
This is a commercial in which Shūji Ōtaki and Ittoku Kishibe appear as a father and son, with Kishibe explaining the features of Kinchōl to Ōtaki.
As Kishibe talks about how the switch to a water-based formula makes it more environmentally friendly, Ōtaki cuts him off, shouting, “Boring! Your story is boring!”—a moment that left a huge impact.
It was such a memorable line that it was even featured on impressionist shows at the time.
Suntory BOSSAyumi Hamasaki
This is a commercial for the canned coffee BOSS featuring Ayumi Hamasaki, known as the “diva of the Heisei era,” who has produced numerous hit songs.
It’s part of a series in which Hamasaki plays various roles—such as a construction site worker, a boxing second, and a bride—while singing an original song.
In the CM, she performs a parody of Nat King Cole’s classic “L-O-V-E.” Even if you haven’t seen the commercial in a while, many of you can probably still hum this tune.
Mandom Gatsby X-Hard ColorMasahiro Motoki
Among the Gatsby commercials that aired during the Heisei era, many people probably remember the ones featuring Masahiro Motoki.
This particular spot made an especially strong impact and is often cited as a classic.
Motoki appears with a flamboyant mohawk worthy of a ’90s visual-kei band, and the gimmick where his mohawk flutters open and closed in time with Chiyoko Shimakura’s “Jinsei Iroiro” still feels remarkably fresh even today.
Shiseido AnessaYuri Ebihara
This is a Shiseido ANESSA sunscreen commercial that aired in 2007.
It shows five women in swimsuits running along a sandy beach, but if you look closely, you’ll notice they’re all Yuri Ebihara! The striking twist is that Ebihara appears as multiple versions of herself.
The background music was by Ketsumeishi, who were at the height of their popularity at the time.
The song, Mata Kimi ni Aeru (I’ll See You Again), was written specifically for this commercial.
Nissin Foods Cup Noodles “FREEDOM” Version
As part of the FREEDOM-PROJECT, this is one of the commercials that aired between 2006 and 2008.
The animation, created with Katsuhiro Otomo—known as the author of Akira—was used, and many viewers likely paid close attention to its animation style and story.
Even now, watching it is exciting—it’s a captivating commercial.
The BGM features Hikaru Utada’s 2007 release “Kiss & Cry,” a love song with strikingly unique lyrics that even include the words “Nissin Cup Noodles!”
Takefuji
The commercials for Takefuji, which operated until 2010.
Many people probably remember the sight of numerous women performing perfectly synchronized dances like idols or dance groups.
In fact, these women were a dance group called the Takefuji Dancers, composed of members selected through auditions.
The catchy dance track has remained the same since the first broadcast in 1990: “SYNCHRONIZED LOVE” by singer-songwriter and music producer Joe Rinoie.
The impactful choreography stays flawlessly in sync right up to the final pose! It’s a commercial that makes you think, “It looks difficult, but I kind of want to try dancing it.”
LOTTE Fit’s
Fit’s is a chewing gum by Lotte that launched in March 2009.
Its hallmark was a softer chew compared to other gums, paired with a catchy jingle featuring the phrase “funyan-funyan.” The commercials, in which Nozomi Sasaki and Takeru Satoh danced to the CM song, became a major talking point.
The ads ran as a series at the time, with the pair’s dance and a developing storyline—many viewers enjoyed following the new installments.
Plus, Naomi Watanabe also appeared behind the two leads and danced along!
