Memorable Commercials [April 2025]

Time, stop.Yazawa Eikichi

Time, stop.

Eikichi Yazawa’s “Tokiya Tomare” (Stop, Time) was released in 1978 and is a highly popular song that has been covered by various artists.

An interesting point is that after the catchphrase “Stop, time” was decided, Shiseido set out to create a campaign song, which led to the request being made to Yazawa.

The gentle band sound layered with vocals that carry a touch of sadness conveys a sensual atmosphere.

Given its origins as a Shiseido campaign song, the structure strongly evokes images of romantic relationships, which leaves a striking impression.

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kappamaki

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Mela!Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Mela!' Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Mela!

Hello, Special Times. “Picnic” Version — Takamatsunomiya Kinen, 30 seconds | JRA Official

In this commercial, horse-racing buddies Masami Nagasawa, Ai Miura, and Kuranosuke Sasaki plan a picnic at the racetrack and invite Ryoma Takeuchi to join them.

The scene where they spread out a picnic blanket at the track and everyone digs into Sasaki’s homemade katsu sandwiches looks so much fun—it’s enough to make you jealous! It really conveys a desire to refresh the image of horse racing and encourage people to enjoy it casually and make it more accessible.

The background music is “Mela!,” one of the signature songs by Ryokuoushoku Shakai.

It’s an upbeat, catchy track that delivers empowering lyrics to give you the courage to take a step forward—perfect for when you’re feeling down or want to boost your energy.

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Hane Keisuke

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My boyfriend is left-handed.Asaoka Megumi

My boyfriend is left-handed.

SoftBank 3G prepaid mobile phone “Prepaid Mobile” TV commercial, 15 seconds.

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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kappamaki

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UnveilAwich

Unprecedented! One-take shoot with an upside-down set / A must-see making-of: Panasonic “Make New” concept film + behind the scenes

In a grand set where an expanse of blue fabric descends from above, Panasonic’s commercial unfolds as seven dancers perform in perfect unison, a filmic piece where tension and beauty coexist.

Directed by film director Sho Yanagisawa, the video captures moments of challenge and passion with dramatic precision.

Under the high-stakes condition that the massive fabric covering the floor and ceiling can only be dropped once—with no possibility of a retake—the dancers’ movements, sustained by extreme concentration, are portrayed.

Amplifying that taut atmosphere and energy is Awich’s “Unveil.” Her strong, centered vocals and powerful beat musically express the resolve behind the scenes and the dedication to creation, adding even greater gravitas to the visuals.

Even the cheers that erupt at the moment of success are sublimated into part of the work, making this an impressive track that conveys the beauty of taking on a challenge.

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mutō

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A café in a student districtGARO

Garo 'The Student District Café'

Memorial Folk Edition (1980) – Momoya Norihira Animated Commercial

GARO’s “Gakuseigai no Kissaten” (Coffee Shop in the Student District) is a highly popular song included on their 1972 album GARO2, and it was also released as a single.

Although it was initially placed on the B-side at the time of the single’s release, it caught on thanks to radio promotion and went on to become regarded as GARO’s biggest hit.

The song evokes a scene set in a coffee shop in a student neighborhood, and its sound and melody—tinged with a certain darkness—are especially memorable.

When the track is used in commercials, the focus often falls on the “student” aspect, drawing on the lyrics to convey a strong sense of nostalgia.

From the Orange Village to Springririi

Lily: From Orange Village to Spring

Lily’s “From Orange Village to Spring” is a song released in 1976, included as the B-side of “Ie e Oide yo” (“Come Home”).

Set to a gentle sound that evokes elements of country music, it portrays the calm scenery of a village.

The song’s rhythm has a buoyant lightness, and the overall gentle yet cheerful atmosphere conjures a sense of love for one’s hometown.

As a commercial jingle, it’s best known for being used in a Shiseido ad, where the music and visuals together depict the rising excitement as the season turns toward spring.

Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando

Harbor Yoko, Yokohama, Yokosuka

Downtown Boogie Woogie Band’s “Minato no Yōko, Yokohama, Yokosuka,” released in 1975, is an alluring track with a cool vibe.

It’s remembered for its distinctive structure—a powerful, guitar-riff-driven sound layered with spoken vocals.

The mentions of Yokohama and Yokosuka in the lyrics are also striking, and the song is beloved as a local anthem.

Thanks to its unique spoken delivery and handy, question-posing phrases, that aspect has been spotlighted and used in commercials, including for Nidec.