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

Mushuda 2008

[CM] ST "Mushuda" 2008

This is a memorable Mushuda commercial featuring the jingle “Mushuda that doesn’t leave any smell.” For many people, just hearing “Mushuda” makes that song start playing in their heads, doesn’t it? The chaotic storyline is also striking: the original character, Monsieur Kumao, is getting treated at the dentist when it’s discovered he has moth-eaten holes in his body, and he’s whisked straight off to the Mushuda factory.

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.

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.

Toyota FuncargoHanako Aikawa

Nostalgic commercial: TOYOTA “Funcargo” — Toyota Motor Corporation

This commercial’s catchphrase, “What do you do?”, is a perfect fit.

The car’s name is “Funcargo”: the first part, “Fun,” clearly means enjoyment, but what about the latter “Cargo”? It comes from the English word “cargo,” meaning freight or load, and it highlights the car’s selling point—its spacious interior.

In the ad, people are shown using the inside of the car as a free, personalized space, ironing clothes, making pizza, and more.

Rikako Aikawa, who delivered a comical performance in the commercial, is still active today as a voice actor, actress, and narrator—definitely someone to keep an eye on!