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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 (21–30)

Top Gum

Top Confectionery TV Commercial ①

Many of you probably recognize this Top Seika gum commercial, where children’s faces appear above the musical staff.

And above all, you surely remember the jingle! I’m sure many of you learned the lyrics and sang along, and plenty of people must have shouted the interjection “Gum!” in a loud voice, too.

I bet a lot of you could still sing it even now.

Nissan Note Low-Fuel-Consumption Girl Heidi

Fuel-Efficient Girl Heidi Episode 1: Echo Chapter

When it comes to collaboration commercials with Heidi, Girl of the Alps, many people strongly associate them with Kyoiku (Home) Tutor no Try, but starting in 2009, Nissan’s Note also aired collaboration commercials with Heidi, Girl of the Alps, didn’t it? The uniquely styled illustrations and surreal storylines were entertaining, and I bet many viewers watched intently whenever they came on.

The CM characters were voiced by Tomochika and Junichi Kawamoto.

Takemoto Piano “More and More” VersionNEW!Ichiro Zaizu

Takemoto Piano 1-hour endurance high-quality audio

Speaking of Takemoto Piano commercials, this is the one, right? It became one of the most famous commercials nationwide despite being a Kansai-only local ad, after it was featured on “Detective Knight Scoop” as a commercial that makes babies stop crying.

It starts with a cat’s meow, then the sound effect of a piano lid opening, and after another cat’s meow, a lively tune kicks in… Apparently, this whole progression captures babies’ attention.

Of course, many adults also find this commercial especially memorable.

Asahi Kasei

Asahi Kasei commercial 2006

Between 1997 and 2006, “Ihi!-kun” appeared in Asahi Kasei’s commercials.

The ads featuring him—portrayed as a 40-year-old office worker at Asahi Kasei—were all quite memorable.

Among them, one particularly striking commercial from the 2000s depicted a conversation between junior colleagues.

The way the two kept repeating “thank you,” with the intonation sometimes shifting, created a playful rhythm that was so amusing it always made me laugh.

FujifilmKirin Kiki

2000 commercial: Fujicolor - Let's Capture the New Year; Kirin Kiki, Kayoko Kishimoto, Rena Tanaka, Jun Sakurai

When it comes to classic New Year commercials, you can’t leave out Fujifilm’s “Utsurun-desu” and the “Let’s Capture New Year’s” series.

This one is set around New Year’s Day 2001.

While two photo shop clerks say they photographed the first sunrise of the year, Kirin Kiki says she captured the “first sunset.” The quick retort—“So you couldn’t wake up, huh?”—and her sheepish expression make for a memorably humorous touch.

JT Natural Peach Water

2000 commercial JT Momo no Tennen-sui Soda

This is a commercial for Momo no Tennensui, a soft drink released in 1996 that later became a big hit.

Among them, the 1998 commercial featuring Tomomi Kahala is particularly famous and may be remembered by many.

The one introduced here isn’t the Kahala version, but a CM where a trio of women in yukata dance while promoting Momo no Tennensui Soda.

With its makeup, hairstyles, and direction, it’s a nostalgic ad brimming with Heisei-era vibes.

Echigo SeikaHideki Takahashi

A Collection of Nostalgic Commercials for Young People (18) – Late 2002

It’s that classic commercial set up as if Hideki Takahashi, dressed as an Echigo samurai, is appearing on a quiz show.

After pressing the answer button with a cheerful “Ding-dong!”, Takahashi enthusiastically answers, “Echigo Seika!” We don’t know what the quiz question was, but it was a hugely impactful ad that burned the company name into your memory.