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.
- [Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials
- Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing famous songs recently featured in commercials, too!
- All-Time Nescafé Popular Commercials and Jingles Roundup
- [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
Commercial songs from the ’70s. Nostalgic commercial jingles (1–10)
You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira
A Kanebo commercial featuring British actress Olivia Hussey.
The song used in the ad was Akira Fuse’s massive hit “Kimi wa Bara yori Utsukushii” (“You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose”).
The ad even used the same tagline as the song, with the word “kimi” written in hiragana.
For any woman, hearing such words would surely be delightful—and when sung in Akira Fuse’s clear, powerful voice, they feel both a little embarrassing and all the more uplifting! The bright, glamorous melody, as if roses were dancing through the air, is also unforgettable.
Ngoma PartyWatanabe Sadao
This is a commercial where a construction worker, who happens to spot Sadao Watanabe riding a Yamaha Towny, can’t help but feel envious.
The way he observes every little detail with envy, and the confident way Watanabe responds, clearly conveys that this is a bike everyone admires.
The music used is Sadao Watanabe’s “Ngoma Party.” Its light, wind-instrument-infused sound is striking, and it perfectly evokes a refreshing, summery atmosphere.
With its structure that lets various instruments take turns in solo spots, the track exudes a joyful vibe.
Love Dial 6700NEW!Fingā 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.”
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.
EnchantedJudi Ongu
The song used in Wacoal’s commercial was Judy Ongg’s famous hit “Miserarete.” The image of her spreading wide sleeves like a furisode and moving gracefully as she sang was striking, wasn’t it? Some time after the song was released, the sleeves were reinforced with stiffeners or supports and refined to resemble bird wings.
Inspired by the Aegean Sea, the song evokes a unique world and showcases a sensual side of women.
It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Sayuri Ishikawa and Demon Kakka, and continues to be sung to this day.
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.
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.
