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 1970s: Nostalgic commercial jingles (31–40)
A café in a student districtGARO
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.
Journey of the Heartchūrippu
This is the third single released by Tulip in April 1973.
Until then, Tulip had not been blessed with any hit songs, but this track became popular and reached number one on the Oricon chart.
It was later used in commercials for Toyota and Kirin.
SuccessDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
This is a single released in March 1977 by the rock band Down Town Boogie-Woogie Band, which was used as a commercial song for Shiseido Aquea.
The music was composed by Ryudo Uzaki and the lyrics were written by Yoko Aki.
It’s a song about a woman waiting for a man.
Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu
It’s the song by Chiharu Matsuyama that topped the Oricon charts for the first time, released in August 1978.
It was used in an Ezaki Glico commercial featuring Momoe Yamaguchi and Tomokazu Miura.
It was later covered by Yutaro Miura and Junko Ohashi.
Travel Lodgeyoshida takurou
The intro, which begins with harmonica and guitar arpeggios, is striking.
It was released by CBS/Sony in July 1972.
Lyrics by Osami Okamoto, music by Takuro Yoshida.
The previous single was “Let’s Get Married,” and this is the fourth single, which reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Commercial songs from the 70s: Nostalgic commercials (41–50)
Sexual Violet No. 1Kuwana Masahiro
Masahiro Kuwana’s “Sexual Violet No.
1” was released in 1979 and is one of his signature songs.
The lyrics have a sexy vibe, seemingly singing about a man–woman relationship, and combined with the guitar-driven, powerful sound, they convey a unique, forceful image.
One reason the song became a hit was its use in a Kanebo commercial, which is said to have boosted Kuwana’s popularity.
The structure, with the title repeated in the chorus, leaves the song name firmly imprinted in your mind.
Time, stop.Yazawa Eikichi
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.