80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
In this article, we’ll be introducing, all at once, the songs that were used in commercials aired in the 1980s, as well as 80s tracks that have been featured in commercials over the years!
Speaking of 80s music, a wide variety of artists—bands, female idols, singer-songwriters—burst onto the scene, and all of them gained tremendous popularity.
Countless songs were used in commercials, and many timeless classics that are still loved today were born during this era.
We’ve picked a wide range, from staple tunes you still hear often to hidden gems you might not have heard in a while, so please take this opportunity to listen closely and enjoy.
- 80s Western pop hits featured in commercials. A roundup of nostalgic CM songs.
- Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing famous songs recently featured in commercials, too!
- [Nostalgic Commercials] A compilation of commercials that aired in the Showa era
- Heartwarming nostalgic commercial jingles: a special collection of timeless hits that take you back.
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Western songs from the 90s featured in commercials. A roundup of CM songs.
- A must-see for people in their 30s and 40s! A roundup of nostalgic 1990s commercial jingles
- [Touches the heart] Bittersweet commercial songs: those famous tracks that make you tear up
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
- [I want to hear it again!] Songs from Suntory commercials. Popular commercial jingles
- Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
- [Nostalgic Classics] Hit Japanese Love Songs from the 1980s
- Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s
80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese pop songs from the 80s used in commercials (61–70)
Tales of Happiness: Penguins’ Memory – Complete Collection of Commercials (1984–1985)
This is a compilation of Suntory CAN Beer commercials that aired between 1984 and 1985.
Alongside big-name idols like Seiko Matsuda and Shinobu Otake, the narration is done by George Tokoro—an impressive lineup.
Still, the real highlight, I think, is the poignant, adult love story played out by the adorable penguins.
These penguin characters served as the image mascots for Suntory’s commercials, and they were so popular that an animated feature film was later made: “Penguins’ Memory: A Tale of Happiness.”
AccompliceYazawa Eikichi
This is a renowned song in which Eikichi Yazawa, at the age of 39, became conscious of the allure of “adult danger” and opened up a new frontier.
While knowing it’s forbidden, the song thrillingly portrays a precarious relationship between a man and a woman who deeply desire each other.
Produced from his first London recording, it features an urban, weighty sound driven by synthesizers, interwoven exquisitely with a moist, melancholic melody that instantly draws listeners into its world.
Released in July 1988 as his first single after switching record labels, it also gained major attention as the theme for the Ginza Jewelry Maki Camelia Diamond commercial.
I feel Coke 87Satō Chikuyoshi
Among Showa-era commercials, the 1987 Coca-Cola ad is especially acclaimed as a masterpiece in the advertising world.
Its nostalgia-filled footage, packed with the atmosphere of the time, will likely bring memories flooding back at a single glance.
The background song “I feel Coke 87” is also a timeless classic among commercial jingles, and it drew attention again in 2023 when a cover version of the song was featured in a new commercial.
radianceOkamura Takako
This commercial highlights the cleansing power of Merit to remove dirt and protect the scalp, conveying that this leads to brighter days.
It features Yuriko Ishida washing her hair with Merit and letting her hair flow, with her smile expressing the joy of beautiful hair.
Enhancing the refreshing atmosphere of the visuals is Takako Okamura’s song “Kagayaki” (Radiance).
The piano-centered, dazzling sound and her soaring vocals convey not only a sense of freshness but also a positive, uplifting feeling.
actressIwasaki Hiromi
This commercial shows Hiromi Iwasaki driving Subaru’s new Leone, conveying its various onboard features and smooth, comfortable ride.
The closing line, “I love it because it’s gentle,” also underscores the Leone’s sense of security.
The song used to enhance the ad’s refreshing atmosphere is Iwasaki’s “Joyu” (“Actress”).
Its sound is striking for blending calmness with a light touch, and the percussion timbres add a sense of passion.
The lyrics, which portray the life of an actress, evoke an image of strength.
Vixen on the RunBARBEE BOYS
This is a classic duet featuring male and female twin vocals that captures the allure of a bewitching, mysterious woman.
The urban tone of the soprano sax and the sophisticated arrangement leave a strong impression, lightly portraying the give-and-take between a man and a woman.
Released in April 1987 as BARBEE BOYS’ seventh single and used as the image song for Asahi Beverages’ Mitsuya Fruits, this track is highly recommended for those who want to feel the nuances of romance and the atmosphere of the city at night.
Distant Street Corner (The Wanderin’ Street)Kuwata Keisuke
This commercial portrays the casual, everyday life of a cohabiting couple and introduces AIRism innerwear as a constant, everyday staple.
It shows them spending time together in a way that looks very happy, and combined with the gentle visuals, it’s a spot that makes viewers feel happy too.
Of course, the BGM also plays a role in enhancing that mood—the song is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Tooi Machikado (The wanderin’ street).” Released in 1988, it was also used in a Fujifilm commercial in the past.