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 (11–20)
youKozaka Akiko
マクドナルドとマイランドのCMで使われた曲は、1973年に小坂明子のデビューシングルとして発売された「あなた」です。
She also performed this song when she won the Grand Prix at a Yamaha contest at age 16.
The commercials feature a piano instrumental version.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Ryoko Moriyama and Acid Black Cherry.
Depicting a dreamlike life with an unattainable love—or a future lover yet to be met—the piece has moved many listeners with its lyrical world, whose heartbreaking intensity is hard to believe came from a teenager.
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.
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.
Love Dial 6700Fingā 5
This commercial features Bakarhythm performing a dance as a quirky character, highlighting the positive appeal of en Ten-Shoku.
Alongside the sharp dance moves, information about en Ten-Shoku is clearly introduced through on-screen text and narration, expressing that it’s an optimistic, forward-looking service.
The dance’s background music is a parody of Finger 5’s “Koi no Dial 6700.” The song draws attention to the telephone sounds while lightly yet clearly emphasizing the important “en.”
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
In a Suntory commercial promoting the proper sorting of plastic bottles, former SMAP members Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori appear.
Kusanagi, hidden behind a wall, gives Inagaki and Katori a lesson on how to dispose of an empty PET bottle.
The ad explains that the peeled-off label and the removed cap can be placed directly into Suntory’s recycling bin together with the bottle, which likely made many viewers think, “Really? I didn’t know that!” The background music features an instrumental arrangement of a classic Showa-era hit, Kiyohiko Ozaki’s “Mata Au Hi Made,” whose flowing, pleasant melody is absolutely lovely.
70s commercial tunes. Nostalgic commercial songs (21–30)
metropoliskurisutaru kingu
Crystal King’s signature song “Daitokai” was featured in a 1998 commercial for Pokka’s Crystal Black.
The commercial also starred the band’s vocalist, Masayuki Tanaka, and the running gag was that he was never allowed to sing beyond the opening line.
Sometimes he’d be on a free-fall ride and his singing would turn more into a scream, and other times Yoshimi Tendo would take over everything after the intro and sing “Like the Flow of the River,” which has a similar opening… As for the song itself, Tanaka’s exhilarating high tones leave a strong impression! Many people probably thought, “I wish I could sing as crisply and powerfully as that.”