Memorable Commercials [2021]
“This song is great!” 2021 was full of commercial jingles that made you want to say just that.
CM songs that highlight a product’s or brand’s appeal tend to stick with us.
They make you hum along without thinking, or reach for your smartphone to look them up.
Why not take a look back at those memorable commercial tracks? A reunion with nostalgic tunes and encounters with new ones are surely waiting for you!
- Memorable Commercials [2023]
- Funny Commercial [2021]
- Memorable Commercials [2017]
- [From timeless classics to the latest hits] A roundup of catchy commercial songs
- Catchy commercial jingles [2023]
- Catchy commercial jingles. A roundup of those songs grabbing attention in ads!
- Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing famous songs recently featured in commercials, too!
- Memorable Commercials [2019]
- Memorable Commercials [January 2024]
- Unforgettable! Memorable commercial jingles. Popular commercial songs.
- Memorable Commercials [December 2024]
- Memorable Commercials [January 2025]
- Memorable Commercials [November 2024]
Memorable Commercials [2021] (1–10)
Little Dancer feat. Ito (PEOPLE 1)WurtS
The song chosen for the commercial “Evolutionary Trajectory” from the TOYOTA Corolla series is Little Dancer by the up-and-coming solo artist WurtS.
Ito from the Tokyo-based band PEOPLE 1 is featured as a guest vocalist.
It’s a lively pop song with a disco beat that naturally lifts your spirits as you listen.
The music video takes the form of a puzzle, featuring an intriguing plot in which a murder occurs within the story.
primary colorsYOASOBI
The hugely popular duo YOASOBI released “Sangenshoku” in July 2021, a song written specifically as the commercial theme for NTT Docomo’s new service, ahamo.
Its lively rhythm, with a touch of exotic flair, is super cool—it’s a fusion of flamenco and J-pop.
To coincide with the launch of ahamo, Yuichiro Komikado wrote a novel titled “RGB.” YOASOBI’s “Sangenshoku” is said to be based on that novel.
The novel is available on a special website, so be sure to check it out together with the song!
Tarako, tarako, tarakokigurumi
When it comes to unforgettable commercial jingles, Kewpie’s “Tarako Tarako Tarako” definitely tops the list.
It’s sung by Kigurumi, a duo formed by two child actors.
Their costumes—wearing giant cod roe on their heads—were incredibly cute and became hugely popular.
At the same time, despite its cuteness, the song has touches that are a bit mysterious or even dark, and that contrast made the duo’s presence feel even more enigmatic.
Besides the Kigurumi version, there’s also a rendition sung by NOKKO, the former vocalist of Rebecca!
Memorable Commercials [2021] (11–20)
the same storyHanbaato Hanbaato
Humbert Humbert is a male-female acoustic duo formed in 1998.
This is their signature song “Onaji Hanashi” (The Same Story), released in 2005.
The story unfolds through a back-and-forth between “I” and “you.” At first it seems like an ordinary conversation—simple questions and answers—but as you read the lyrics, certain things become clear.
There’s a mysterious silence that appears in the middle of their exchange, and a lingering question: why do they always end up telling “the same story”? It’s because “you” are no longer in this world.
So even when they meet in a dream and talk, it becomes “the same story.” It’s very sad, but it also conveys a profound love for the other person.
There are many ways to interpret the song, and this is just one of them.
The Deodorizing Power SongMigeru
A song by Miguel Guerreiro, a singer active in Japan and Portugal who has won a popular audition program.
He’s also known for forming units with artists like Takanori Nishikawa and Hitomi Shimatani for the “Shoushuuriki” commercial songs, where he showcased such overwhelming vocals that they were dubbed “an extravagant waste of vocal prowess.” Indeed, if a voice like that suddenly came from the TV in a commercial, first-time listeners would probably find themselves unable to look away.
As a commercial song where impact is crucial, it’s a track that etched a striking image into listeners’ minds.
Adhesion☆NIGHTYabai T-shatsu Yasan
Yabai T-Shirts Yasan has tons of addictive, catchy songs.
The track Iyuchaku☆NIGHT, which is used as the CM song for Sprite’s “Sprite Shunkan Dive” commercial featuring Kanna Hashimoto, is the lead track included on their 2020 single Spain no Himitsu.
With its sense of speed, exciting melody, and the distinctly quirky lyrics that are part of Yaba-T’s appeal, once you hear it, it’s guaranteed to stick in your head.
It’s also a great pick-me-up when you want to get hyped.
kabedon to the faceMayumura Chiaki
A song by idol Chiaki Mayumura, who is also active as a singer-songwriter and entrepreneur and drew attention for her improvised songs based on on-the-spot prompts.
Chosen as the theme for a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial, it features memorable, comical lyrics that highlight the differences between men’s and women’s emotions.
The contrast between the pop yet unstable melody in the verses and the catchy chorus delivered over a rock sound creates a powerful impact and an addictive quality that makes you want to keep listening.
It’s a distinctive number that sticks in your ears even within the short span of a commercial.