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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: Revisiting memorable ads (11–20)

NOVA

[NOVA] NOVA Usagi Commercials: Super Complete Collection 2002–2016 [All 41 Types]

NOVA Usagi, the mascot of the NOVA English conversation school.

Since TV commercials began in 2002, the rabbit with flashy pink fur and a yellow beak became hugely popular and quickly turned the ads into a hot topic.

Back then, they even rolled out character merchandise like plush toys, so many people probably had one in their hands.

Fitting for an English conversation school, the animation style looks like an American cartoon.

The commercials gave you a chuckle: at events where people gathered or out on the street, NOVA Usagi would appear and do something a little quirky.

Koikeya Pinky

Nostalgic commercial (2000): 'Pinky'

I think many people still remember the TV commercials for the tablet candy Pinky that debuted in 1997, especially the song featured in them.

There were several commercials where, when someone sang “Pinky, please! Pinky, please!”, an original character called Pinky Monkey would appear and give them some Pinky.

Kewpie Mix-in Pasta Sauce Tarako (cod roe)

Speaking of Kewpie’s cod roe pasta sauce commercials, the one that really stands out is “Tarako Tarako Tarako,” sung by the music duo Kigurumi! That uniquely catchy melody stuck in so many people’s heads.

In this commercial, two girls are happily swimming in the sea when a giant Kewpie dressed as a cod roe suddenly emerges from the water! And it’s not just one—several appear—so it’s nothing short of terrifying…

The girls who were playing in the sea look utterly dumbfounded, beyond fear.

The scene then shifts to making pasta with the pasta sauce.

It’s a little scary, but it’s a highly impactful commercial.

Takemoto Piano “Everyone in a Circle” VersionNEW!Ichiro Zaizu

Takemoto Piano Commercial “Everyone in a Circle” Version

This is one of the classic commercials featuring Ichiro Zaitsuu, who also performs the song.

Compared to the other staple “More and More” version, this one is characterized by a more relaxed melody, and Zaitsuu’s gentle, warm vocals are incredibly soothing.

It’s a song with a melody that makes you want to hum along, and the dance performed by Zaitsuu and the piano on the keyboard is also memorable.

ST Shoshuryoku “Princess Kaguya” Edition

Nice Commercial: ST – Room Deodorizer “Kaguya-hime” Edition

Speaking of Deoshushryoku commercials, many people probably remember the one where Miguel shows off his powerful singing voice, but the “Kaguya-hime” version—where a foreign woman shouts, “So smelly!”—likely stuck in your memory too, right? And the celestial being’s single line, “Use it,” as they hand over Deoshushryoku also made quite an impact, didn’t it?

Coca-Cola Qoo

Coca-Cola Qoo Commercial 2001

The commercial for Coca-Cola’s beverage “Qoo” made a splash with its cute character and the signature “Kuu!” exclaimed after finishing the juice.

The product and its ads became hits not only with children but also with adults charmed by Qoo’s adorable look.

The character design was created by Momoko Maruyama, known for works like “Dekoboko Friends.” The laid-back, mellow theme song is catchy as well, and the ad also resonated with kids who wanted to imitate grown-ups enjoying their drinks.

Nostalgic commercials from the 2000s: Revisiting memorable ads (21–30)

Toyota Motor — Kid Manager

TOYOTA “Kid Manager”

Now fully grown up, Seishiro Kato once appeared as a child actor in Toyota’s “Kid Manager” commercial series, which became a hot topic.

The ads aired from 2009 to 2010 and were so memorable that the phrase “Seishiro Kato equals Kid Manager” stuck with many people.

In 2014, it also made waves when Seishiro’s real younger brother, Kenshiro, took over as the second Kid Manager.

The commercials were fun thanks to the charming contrast of a child acting as a manager.