Memorable Commercials [April 2025]

To say goodbyebiriibanban

To Say Goodbye – by Billy BanBan (1972)

Billy BanBan’s “Sayonara o Suru Tame ni” (“To Say Goodbye”) is a song released in 1972 as the theme for the TV drama “3-Chome 4-Banchi.” Thanks to this song, they made their first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it was even included in music textbooks, making it one of Billy BanBan’s signature tracks that garnered attention in many ways.

Its gentle, characteristically Billy BanBan sound and poignant lyrics themed around farewell make it especially appealing.

As a commercial jingle, it was used in ads for Sanwa Shurui’s iichiko shochu, where the expansive sound underscores and promotes the depth of iichiko.

Morning of PartingPedoro & Kapurishasu

Morning of Parting

Pedro & Capricious’s “Wakare no Asa” (Morning of Parting) was released in 1971 and is known as one of the group’s signature songs.

The original is “Was Ich Dir Sagen Will” by Austrian singer Udo Jürgens, to which Rei Nakanishi added Japanese lyrics for this version.

The sound leans strongly toward kayōkyoku, giving it a different vibe from the original, and over this powerful arrangement the sorrow of parting is sung.

Because the song conveys a kind of strength that tries to shake off loneliness, when it’s used in commercials it tends to create an impression of emphasizing the power to move forward.

My boyfriend is left-handed.Asaoka Megumi

My boyfriend is left-handed.

Megumi Asaoka’s “My Boyfriend’s Left-Handed” was released in 1973 and is widely known as one of her signature songs.

With its cute lyrics expressing affection for a left-handed boyfriend, it became such a hit that it helped overcome the prejudice against left-handedness at the time.

The light band sound combined with her cheerful vocals clearly conveys a positive image.

Because of its bright atmosphere, it also works well as a commercial jingle and has been used widely, from fun, upbeat spots to more comical ones.

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Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

This commercial focuses on the refreshing feel of Tanrei Green Label and conveys the excitement of something about to begin.

In the story, Mikako Tabe selects “Beginning” on a mysterious jukebox, and a train carrying Motoki Omori arrives—an unfolding that clearly expresses a fresh, breezy atmosphere.

To underscore that freshness, Motoki Omori performs Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “Ao to Natsu.” The acoustic, sing-and-play arrangement creates a calmer mood than the original, conveying a gentle warmth.

UNFOLLOWKatori Shingo

TVCM BMW | UNFOLLOW. THE-ALL NEW BMW X2. meets Shingo Katori.

This commercial expresses, with a unique worldview, the powerful drive to break through the status quo and move into the future, while also showcasing the BMW X2’s dynamic performance.

It depicts Shingo Katori escaping from an eerie world made up of dolls and animation, conveying a will to break conventions and push forward.

The song powerfully performed in the footage is UNFOLLOW, sung by Shingo Katori.

With its weighty sound and vocals, it delivers a powerful message that it’s important not to conform to others, but to stay true to yourself.

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SailAWOLNATION

AWOLNATION – “Sail” Red Bull Records

This commercial highlights the wide range of experiences you get from driving a BMW while clearly conveying its powerful performance and exhilarating feel.

It depicts how sensations like the wind from speed, the jolts of tearing across rough roads, and the feeling of defying gravity are all made possible by its robust drive.

The track that further accentuates this pursuit of new experiences is AWOLNATION’s “Sail.” Despite its digital sound, the weighty production delivers a palpable sense of power that urges you to take a step forward.

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VanishingBOOM BOOM SATELLITES

VANISHING

This is a commercial promoting BMW’s clean diesel, highlighting its excellent fuel economy, the feel of its acceleration, and solid power.

Alongside users’ testimonials, the footage of the car speeding along conveys a fresh atmosphere and a strong sense of comfort.

The song that further emphasizes the powerful driving portrayed in the visuals is BOOM BOOM SATELLITES’ “Vanishing.” The vocals, which feel as if they’re reaching far into the distance, are supported by a strong rhythm, evoking a sense of hope moving toward the future.

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