Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
When it comes to music of the 1970s, it was an era that produced countless classic songs—often called Showa Kayō—that are still loved today.
Naturally, many of these timeless hits were used in commercials at the time.
What’s more, numerous 70s tracks that were popular with listeners back then have also been picked up as commercial songs decades after their original release!
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of songs: not only those used in real time during the 1970s, but also tracks released in the 70s that were later featured in commercials.
From nostalgic commercials of the era to recently aired spots, enjoy a comprehensive look at 70s masterpieces that continue to be loved across generations.
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Commercial songs from the ’70s. Nostalgic commercial jingles (1–10)
foreignerKUBOTA Saki
The song chosen for Sanyo Electric’s color TV commercial was Saki Kubota’s debut single “Ihojin (Stranger) – Theme of the Silk Road.” As the title suggests, its exotic melody is so striking that it feels like you can see the scenery of the Silk Road.
At the time the commercial aired, a line from the lyrics was used as the product’s catchphrase.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Akina Nakamori, Hiroji Miyamoto of Elephant Kashimashi, and PENICILLIN, and it remains beloved decades after its release.
Although the piece evokes the Silk Road, it was originally inspired by scenes familiar to Kubota herself—beautiful tree-lined avenues and children playing in the park.
Chelsea’s SongShimonzu
In Meiji’s Chelsea commercials, they used a song called “Chelsea no Uta,” which directly incorporates the product name into its lyrics and title.
Over many years, artists like Agnes Chan, PUFFY, and Every Little Thing have sung this song in the commercials.
The original version was performed by the female folk duo, The Simons.
Their clear, beautiful vocals are a pleasure to listen to.
Many people likely feel a sense of familiarity with the melody and lyrics, which evoke a touch of nostalgia and bring back memories of childhood.
Candy CandyHorie Mitsuko, Za Chaapusu
This is a commercial titled “Wrap your winter desires in a pie,” introducing the winter-only Fresh Chocolate Cream Pie and White Chocolate Milk Tea Pie.
The playful exchange between Sairi Ito and Kotone Furukawa that evokes the deliciousness of hot pies is both striking and humorous—it really draws you in.
The BGM features the classic song “Candy Candy,” notable for its harpsichord intro.
It was originally the theme song for the anime of the same name that aired in the late 1970s.
Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic commercial jingles (11–20)
The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi
Aoi Sankakujōgi’s “Taiyō ga Kureta Kisetsu” was released in 1972 and drew attention for being used as the theme song for the drama “Tobidase! Seishun.” With this song, they won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Record Awards and even appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, making it one of Aoi Sankakujōgi’s signature tracks.
The lyrics strongly evoke youth, expressing the struggles that come with being young, set to the gentle sound of folk music.
As for commercials, it has been used in spots like the Lake (consumer finance) ads featuring the comedy duo Chidori; its wistful melody is deliberately paired with comedic visuals to create a striking contrast.
applausechiaki naomi
The popular Suntory BOSS commercials featuring Alien Jones.
In the 2015 ad where Mitsu Mangrove and Kazuo Tokumitsu, who are relatives, appeared together, Naomi Chiaki’s 1972 song “Kassai” (Applause) was used.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Hideaki Tokunaga and Yo Hitoto, and has captured the hearts of viewers for many years.
Depicting a singer who continues to stand on stage and sing while thinking of a lover left in her hometown who has since passed away, the song—along with Naomi Chiaki’s “Gekijō” (Theater) and “Yakan Hikō” (Night Flight)—is often referred to as part of the “dramatic kayō” trilogy.
Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru
The song featured in the Glico “Almond Chocolate” commercial starring Tomokazu Miura was Shigeru Matsuzaki’s classic “Ai no Memory” (Memory of Love).
It was originally titled “Ai no Hohoemi” (Smile of Love), but after the song was used in the commercial co-starring Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi, it drew significant attention.
Some of the lyrics were changed and it was released as “Ai no Memory.” In 2012, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the release of “Ai no Memory,” a CD consisting entirely of different versions of the song was released.
The lyrics depict love for a special person who has made one’s life beautiful.
Dream FlowerEn Hiroshi
It’s a commercial where Tsuyoshi Muro promotes the idea that lemon sours are better with a stronger lemon flavor, framed as him answering quiz questions.
The reaction after he takes a sip is another key highlight, clearly conveying just how satisfying the product is.
Further emphasizing the strong lemon taste is a parody of the song “Musouka” that plays at the end.
The lyrics simply repeat “koime” (stronger/richer), but layered over the original’s refreshing sound, it effectively expresses a sense of crisp refreshment within that intensity.