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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)

Acom “First-time Acom”

[CM 2002-04] ACOM First-time Acom 15s × 6, 30s × 2

Acom’s commercials are well known for the phrase “Hajimete no Acom” (“Your first Acom”).

In the ads that aired from 2001 to 2005, actress Mayumi Ono appeared as an Acom staff member.

At the service counter and as a call center operator, she introduced customers to Acom’s various features and how to use them.

She didn’t just assist ordinary customers—at times she even introduced Acom to a courier from a Japanese painting or figures from Egyptian wall art, who were astonished by its convenience.

The commercials depict a very pleasant staff member who never forgets to smile, whether at the counter or over the phone.

Acecook Super Cup “Pork Kimchi”

Super Cup Pork Kimchi

The commercial for Acecook’s Super Cup “Pork Kimchi” featured the comedy duo London Boots No.1 No.2.

When Atsushi from “Lonboo” hypes the crowd by chanting “buta-kimu, buta-kimu” (pork kimchi, pork kimchi), the customers gathered at the convenience store respond in kind.

This call-and-response goes back and forth a few times, but eventually Atsushi keeps chanting “buta-kimu” nonstop without giving them a chance to respond, prompting Ryo to deliver a punchline.

In the final scene, with flames blazing in the background, the two of them eat the spicy pork kimchi.

Many of you may feel you’ve seen a version with different performers.

In fact, the comedy duo EXIT did a full recreation of that commercial in 2021.

Be sure to compare it with the early Lonboo version!

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

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola TV commercial: In the moments we connect. Coca-Cola “Spring Baton” version ♪ BENNIE K

The Coca-Cola commercial “Spring Baton,” featuring Haruka Kinami, Seiji Fukushi, and others.

This ad was part of a seasonal series that aired around 2005.

It’s a very memorable spot that captures the feeling of spring, youth, and people giving their all.

And the CM song, BENNIE K’s “Dreamland,” really sticks in your head.

It’s so evocative that hearing it makes you want to drink Coca-Cola.

With its fresh vibe and sense of crisp refreshment, it’s the perfect commercial for Coca-Cola.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Pocari Sweat

[CM 2000-01] Otsuka Pharmaceutical POCARI SWEAT 30 seconds × 8

The Pocari Sweat commercial that aired in 2000 featuring Anne Suzuki—nostalgic, right? The CM song, Porno Graffitti’s “Magic Hour,” brings back memories too.

I bet many people felt that thrilling sense of summer and youth watching it back then.

And the boy playing around at the beach with Anne Suzuki turned out to be Ryo Katsuji! When it comes to Pocari Sweat commercials, many of them have that bursting-with-youth, sweat-suits-it vibe, and this one is exactly that.

Nissin Cup Noodles “NO BORDER” Hope Edition

Nissin Cup Noodles “NO BORDER” Hope Version 60s

It’s a large-scale visual work, and the fact that it’s a Cup Noodles commercial shows incredible taste.

It’s a Nissin Cup Noodles ad that aired around 2004, with Mr.Children’s “Tagatame” as the CM song.

The Cup Noodles lined up along the road represent national borders, and together with the song’s lyrics, it becomes a visual piece with a very strong social message.

Especially now, when the world is in the midst of turmoil, I truly hope to see commercials like this being made.

American Family Life Insurance Company ‘EVER’ ‘Baby and Nursery Teacher Edition’Akiko Yada

[CM] Aflac “Medical Insurance EVER — Organ Version” featuring Akiko Yada

When you think of American Family Life Insurance commercials, it’s that famous song with lyrics like “Money is important, so let’s think carefully about money,” right? Even when the commercials change, the song stays the same, so I’m sure many of you could sing a line or two.

In these ads, Akiko Yada appears playing the organ—and she looks adorable as a nurse too—so I bet plenty of men fell head over heels for her.

Lately, Yada has also been very active on the morning variety show “Love it!” where she even handles the show’s signature electric-shock chair without a hitch.

It’s a truly nostalgic commercial that makes you want to watch the cute Yada two or three times over.

Sennenkyu: “It seeps in.”Ishihara Junko

Sennenkyu commercial: “It seeps in.”

This is a calm commercial featuring popular enka singer Junko Ishihara in a gracefully elegant kimono.

When you think of Ishihara, hits like “Yugiri Kaikyō” and “Miren-zake” come to mind, but it’s said her father was strongly opposed to her becoming a singer at first.

There are also stories from her early days about living in a cheap apartment while working multiple part-time jobs.

With that in mind, fans may find this commercial especially moving.

By the way, the song playing in the CM is also hers: “Nōbi Koika.” If you’re curious, be sure to check it out!