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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- [Nostalgic Commercials] A compilation of commercials that aired in the Showa era
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- Coffee commercial song. Popular commercial jingle.
- Heartwarming nostalgic commercial jingles: a special collection of timeless hits that take you back.
- Catchy commercial jingles. A roundup of those songs grabbing attention in ads!
- Classic enka songs featured in commercials, along with original CM tracks, introduced together!
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Cosmetics commercial song. Popular commercial jingle.
- [Going Viral!] A Special Feature on the Cute Songs Used in Commercials
- A must-see for people in their 30s and 40s! A roundup of nostalgic 1990s commercial jingles
70s commercial tunes. Nostalgic commercial songs (21–30)
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
The song used in the 2004 Suntory “New Style Latte SORA” commercial was Hiromi Ohta’s classic “Momen no Handkerchief” (Cotton Handkerchief).
It has been covered by various artists, including Ringo Sheena, Masamune Kusano of Spitz, and Haruka Ayase, and has been loved for many years.
Set to a fresh and charming pop melody, the song portrays the feelings of a long-distance couple from both the man’s and the woman’s perspectives.
As the boyfriend gradually becomes absorbed into city life and even his heart begins to change, the girlfriend back in their hometown wishes he would stay just as he was.
Incidentally, unlike the girlfriend in the song who patiently waits for her boyfriend, Hiromi Ohta herself is said to be the exact opposite—someone who clearly says whatever she thinks.
School HeavenFingā 5
Set in a snack bar with Takanori Nishikawa singing, this is a commercial for Asahi’s GINON.
In a snack bar run by Michiko Kichise, Nishikawa passionately performs a parody of “Gakuen Tengoku,” showcasing his outstanding vocal prowess to the fullest.
He’s basically just singing, but somehow it’s so entertaining that you want to watch it over and over.
UFOpinku redii
Even if you didn’t watch Pink Lady in real time, many of you probably still know “UFO.” That’s how influential it is—you hear it often in commercials.
Released in 1977, it became their biggest hit.
Its distinctive worldbuilding also incorporates an episode from producer Masatoshi Sakai and lyricist Yū Aku’s trip to Easter Island.
In the ’70s, the song was used in commercials for Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O., with lyric changes tailored to the ads, and in the late 2010s it became familiar again through UQ Mobile commercials.
Truly a mega-hit on a cosmic scale.
At HomeNakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima’s “Home nite (At the Platform)” is a song included on the B-side of the single “Wakare Uta,” released in 1977.
Despite being a B-side, it gained popularity thanks to numerous tie-ins, including being used as insert music for the drama “From the North Country” (Kita no Kuni Kara).
Set to a quiet, acoustic guitar–centered sound, it depicts the scene of a train platform bound for one’s hometown, imbued with both loneliness and warmth.
It was also used in a JR East commercial as a CM song; as a track themed around train stations, it conveys a warm atmosphere that evokes thoughts of one’s hometown.
Law of Smiles ~Smile on Me~Yanagi Jōji & Rainīuddo
“The Law of Smiles ~Smile on Me~” by George Yanagi & Rainy Wood was used as the song for Shiseido’s autumn campaign commercial in 1979.
Its refreshing melody, perfect for a cosmetics ad, leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics depict being captivated by the radiant smile of a beloved person.
But that person is no longer here.
The song carries a longing to see that wonderful smile once more.
The title, “The Law of Smiles,” might even suggest that one’s own smile depends on the smile of the person they love.
Original songSaijō Hideki
The famous catchphrase “Hideki, kanga-ki!” was born from House’s Vermont Curry commercials.
The late Hideki Saijo, who passed away in 2018, appeared in these ads for 12 years, from 1973 to 1985.
The song he showcased his beautiful voice with in the commercials was an original jingle for the ad.
In it, he sings together with the children appearing in the commercials, introducing the key feature of Vermont Curry—made with apples and honey.
His bright, resonant, soaring vocals are even more memorable than the product itself!
Kanda Riverkaguya hime
Kaguya-hime’s “Kandagawa,” released in 1973, became a hit thanks to lyrics that resonate like looking back on memories with a lover.
A key point is that the words are partly based on true experiences, and real place names appear, which gives the lyrics a sense of realism.
The sound features a gentle timbre that’s quintessential folk, conveying both the wistfulness and warmth of reminiscing.
As for commercial use, it was featured in an ad for Takara Shochu’s Jun Legend with Kosetsu Minami appearing; paired with smiling visuals, the overall impression emphasizes warmth more than sadness.