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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: Looking back at memorable ads (91–100)

Suntory BOSS Alien Jones Earth Investigation Series: “Appearance” Episode

Suntory BOSS Commercial Alien Jones “Appearance” Version

The BOSS canned coffee commercial series that starts with “The inhabitants of this planet…”—the ‘Alien Jones’ Earth Investigation Series’—made quite a splash thanks to Tommy Lee Jones’s appearance and the alien premise, and it felt like one funny ad after another kept coming out.

The series has been on the air since 2006, which makes you think, “Wow, it’s been running since that long ago?” There are so many commercials that it’s one of those series that makes you go, “Oh right, I remember that one!” and feel nostalgic.

SoftBank Unexpected GUY Series

Vodafone Commercial: “Unexpected Good Moves” (Sandbox) Edition

This is the 2006 commercial for Vodafone—the predecessor to SoftBank—for the AQUOS cellphone, titled “Unexpected Moves: Sandbox.” Just hearing the name “Vodafone” already feels nostalgic, but it turns out Dante, whose popularity shot up as the “Yosou GUY,” was appearing even back in the Vodafone days! He continued to appear after the switch to SoftBank as the older brother in the Shirato family.

Many of you probably remember the interactions with the kids, that hard-to-describe background music, and the overall vibe.

Nostalgic 2000s commercials: Revisiting unforgettable ads (101–110)

House Foods Minori-gumi

House Minori-gumi 2003 Commercial

A commercial for “Minori-gumi,” a corn snack made from grains like brown rice, whole wheat, and corn.

It was sold by House Foods in 2003, and it really felt like a snack that reflected the growing health-conscious trend among homemakers at the time.

The adorable Brown Rice-kun and Corn-kun dancing in a field, together with the catchy jingle, made it a household favorite.

Even now, the repeating phrase has an addictive quality that keeps looping in your head—it’s the kind that could easily become a habit!

Miura Industries boiler

Shinsuke Shimada [Miura's Boiler]

It’s a highly impactful commercial where Shinsuke Shimada blows steam from his nose and ears while gradually approaching the viewer.

The extreme lack of explanation is another reason this ad drew attention; by conveying only the name, it heightens the urge to look it up.

The only thing strongly asserted is that a company called Miura likely deals in boiler products.

The simple composition relying solely on voice and sound effects may also help further emphasize what they want to convey.

Nissin Foods Demae Iccho

Nissin Foods Demae Iccho: Demae Boy Commercial Compilation

When it comes to classic soy sauce–flavored instant ramen with an irresistible sesame chili oil aroma, Demae Iccho is the standard-bearer.

Its mascot, the Demae Boy, is a nostalgic icon for generations.

Although he has undergone minor updates over the years, he remains as familiar as ever.

Starting in 1993, an animated commercial series featuring the Demae Boy and his family—with a distinctly Showa-era vibe—became a hot topic, making the character feel even more relatable to many.

It’s said that the Demae Family’s animated commercials were also aired for a long time in Hong Kong.

LIFE CARDJoe Odagiri

LIFE CARD Odagiri Joe TV commercial 1

The 2005 Life Card commercial featuring Joe Odagiri, with the gimmick of him agonizing over cards printed with choices.

Many people probably remember the “Overseas Business Trip” edition that depicts the course of his romance with a female flight attendant.

Odagiri’s humorous performance is captivating and keeps you watching until the end.

Shionogi Pharmaceutical Popon SSatomi Kobayashi

Shionogi Pharmaceutical Popon S (2003.12) Satomi Kobayashi

Satomi Kobayashi, who could be considered one of Japan’s leading comediennes.

Her fresh, youthful performance in the film “Exchange Students,” and her role as the youngest sister in the sitcom “I Still Love Cats” are unforgettable.

Another nostalgic favorite is her commercial for Shionogi’s Popon S, where her charm is on full display.

Accompanied by the mysterious “Popon popo popo~” jingle, Kobayashi shows a series of moves that seem like either tai chi or kung fu.

It’s so relaxed that you can’t tell whether the choreography was planned or ad‑libbed.

Either way, her smile steals the show—an irresistibly powerful CM!