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Nostalgic commercials from the 2000s: revisiting ads that left a lasting impression

Nostalgic commercials from the 2000s: revisiting ads that left a lasting impression
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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 (1–10)

Fujitsu FMVTakuya Kimura, Ittoku Kishibe

[Nostalgic CM] FMV (15-second version) Takuya Kimura, Ittoku Kishibe, Fujitsu, 2006 Retro Japanese Commercials

This is a commercial for Fujitsu’s FMV computers featuring Takuya Kimura.

It was a running gag that Ittoku Kishibe would show up and engage in a surreal exchange with Kimura, which many people probably found funny and memorable.

In this particular ad, you don’t see Kishibe at first—only to realize that he’s actually playing the underground dweller.

Amato Pharmaceutical Boraginol

BORAGINOL commercial: Salaryman edition — Takashi Yamamoto

This is the Boraginol commercial that many people vividly remember for its voice-over style on still images.

Those who were children at the time may have often wondered, “What on earth is this a commercial for?” The sound logo at the end—“For hemorrhoids, Boraginol”—was also distinctive, and whenever you saw this ad, you couldn’t help but find yourself humming along.

Kincho KincholHideji Otaki, Kazunori Kishi

KINCHO commercial (boring)

This is a commercial in which Shūji Ōtaki and Ittoku Kishibe appear as a father and son, with Kishibe explaining the features of Kinchōl to Ōtaki.

As Kishibe talks about how the switch to a water-based formula makes it more environmentally friendly, Ōtaki cuts him off, shouting, “Boring! Your story is boring!”—a moment that left a huge impact.

It was such a memorable line that it was even featured on impressionist shows at the time.

Suntory BOSSAyumi Hamasaki

Ayumi HAMASAKI~Suntory Boss 2002

This is a commercial for the canned coffee BOSS featuring Ayumi Hamasaki, known as the “diva of the Heisei era,” who has produced numerous hit songs.

It’s part of a series in which Hamasaki plays various roles—such as a construction site worker, a boxing second, and a bride—while singing an original song.

In the CM, she performs a parody of Nat King Cole’s classic “L-O-V-E.” Even if you haven’t seen the commercial in a while, many of you can probably still hum this tune.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Pocari SweatHaruka Ayase

Haruka Ayase POCARI SWEAT

When you think of Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat, doesn’t it strongly evoke images of youth? In the 2000s, a series of ads featuring Haruka Ayase portraying various scenes of adolescence drew a lot of attention.

They convey a bright, energetic atmosphere of dashing headlong through youth, while reminding us that staying hydrated is essential to enjoy it to the fullest.

The fresh blue sky and the blue packaging of Pocari Sweat work in harmony, highlighting Haruka Ayase’s smile and the brilliance of youth in these commercials.

Mandom Gatsby X-Hard ColorMasahiro Motoki

Among the Gatsby commercials that aired during the Heisei era, many people probably remember the ones featuring Masahiro Motoki.

This particular spot made an especially strong impact and is often cited as a classic.

Motoki appears with a flamboyant mohawk worthy of a ’90s visual-kei band, and the gimmick where his mohawk flutters open and closed in time with Chiyoko Shimakura’s “Jinsei Iroiro” still feels remarkably fresh even today.

Shiseido AnessaYuri Ebihara

Yuri Ebihara appears in the 2007 Shiseido ANESSA commercial.

This is a Shiseido ANESSA sunscreen commercial that aired in 2007.

It shows five women in swimsuits running along a sandy beach, but if you look closely, you’ll notice they’re all Yuri Ebihara! The striking twist is that Ebihara appears as multiple versions of herself.

The background music was by Ketsumeishi, who were at the height of their popularity at the time.

The song, Mata Kimi ni Aeru (I’ll See You Again), was written specifically for this commercial.