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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 (41–50)

Kentucky Fried Chicken 2007 commercialRosa Kato

Rosa Kato: Kentucky Fried Chicken (2007-10)

This commercial highlights how you can enjoy a great-value set of Original Chicken and Furi-Furi Fries, conveyed through Rosa Kato’s expressions and presence.

By clearly showing her eating, you can really feel the portion size, which in turn communicates just how good a deal this set is.

The video captures that irresistible urge to keep eating, and the original song makes that feeling stand out even more.

With straightforward lyrics that express both the munching onomatopoeia “mushamusha” and the happiness that follows, sung over a light, buoyant sound, it paints a picture of everyday joy.

Leave 21 2006 TV commercialAkiko Wada, Shinsuke Shimada

Reve 21 commercial featuring Akiko Wada and Shinsuke Shimada

In this commercial that aired around 2006, Akiko Wada and Shinsuke Shimada are shown recording a radio program.

In their conversation, they discuss the high effectiveness of Reeve 21 and the reasons behind it, and because it’s introduced through a natural dialogue, the message is conveyed clearly.

Panasonic VIERA 2003

Panasonic TV VIERA early version: 2003 broadcast commercial

This commercial grandly hypes just how new Panasonic’s VIERA is, building a sweeping sense of anticipation.

Its thin profile and picture quality are major selling points, conveying a thrill as if the future were drawing near.

The music that further highlights the epic yet refreshing atmosphere of the visuals is Sarah Brightman’s “Dans La Nuit.” With gently resonant piano layered with her crystal-clear vocals, the moving progression creates a majestic ambiance.

Benesse Shinken Zemi High School Course “First Day of School” VersionYuko Oshima

AKB48 Yuko Oshima commercial (Benesse Shinken Zemi High School Course)

This commercial shows Yuko Oshima playing a high school student on her first day of school.

It promotes starting the Shinken Zemi High School Course when you enter high school, and also introduces a limited-time campaign where you can get an electronic Japanese–English dictionary with a listening function.

Oshima’s energetic presence really stands out.

The background music is TOKIO’s “Aiming for Tomorrow!,” written specifically for this commercial.

The lyrics, which encourage pressing forward with hope and looking only ahead, are truly captivating.

NTT DOCOMO “By your side at every beginning.” (version)Kurumi Shimizu

docomo commercial featuring Kurumi Shimizu, “Near the Beginning.” 2008, 30 seconds

Inspired by Namie Amuro’s “Amura” craze, Thelma Aoyama’s “Thermer” fashion trend also became hugely popular.

The song ‘Soba ni Iru ne’ serves as a kind of answer song to the smash hit ‘Koko ni Iru yo feat.

Thelma Aoyama.’ While its melody and lyrics are arranged to make it a different song from the previous one, parts of ‘Koko ni Iru yo’ are woven in—an irresistibly clever touch! It was also used as NTT Docomo’s spring campaign song in 2008.

In a season of many farewells, lyrics like “I’m always by your side, so don’t worry” really resonated.

P&G Febreze Stand-Up Air Freshener 2009 Commercial

Febreze tabletop air freshener commercial (2009) Music: HOF DYLAN

Some of you might remember this commercial that aired in 2009 for its super cute direction.

It depicts stand-alone Febreze absorbing unpleasant odors and releasing a pleasant scent, by showing children operating a factory.

And what makes the footage even catchier is the original song by Hoff Dylan.

The catchy melody and vocal work really stick in your head after just one listen.

Nivea Kao 8×4 2002Aya Ueto

[CM 2002-03] Kao 8×4 30 seconds × 2

This commercial conveys that 8×4 is perfect for the hot summer, helping keep sweat under control and supporting comfortable days.

It depicts Aya Ueto and her friends enjoying summer events, and their smiles lasting until the end communicate that their comfort is maintained.

The song that further highlights the fun and the refreshing, youthful atmosphere portrayed in the visuals is ZARD’s “Sawayaka na Kimi no Kimochi.” Its buoyant rhythm layered with powerful guitar tones evokes a refreshing feeling of sprinting full-speed through youth.

Izumi Sakai’s clear, expansive vocals are also a key point that emphasizes that refreshing vibe.