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)
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.
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.
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.
Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic commercial jingles (11–20)
To say goodbyebiriibanban
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.
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.
Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
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.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
One of the signature songs released in 1978 by the legendary singer Momoe Yamaguchi.
It’s also well known for having lyrics written by Shinji Tanimura.
Created as a promotional song for a travel campaign by JNR (Japanese National Railways) under the theme “DISCOVER JAPAN (Beautiful Japan and Me),” the number overlays various emotions onto evocative lyrics that portray the spirit of Japan.
Watching the commercials might bring back memories from that era and rekindle a longing for travel.
You can even sense a kind of wish for Japan’s future.
Even today, it remains a timeless classic, covered by many artists.
