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 compilation of Japanese pop songs from the 80s used in commercials (1–10)
Lonely Tropical FishWink
I used to think idols were always smiling, but the two members of Wink were more expressionless, weren’t they? I remember Shoko Aida later saying, “It wasn’t that we were expressionless; we were just very nervous.” Such a heartwarming episode.
The choreography in the chorus where they cover their faces with both arms became a huge fad.
People have even referred to songs by Chisato Moritaka and Wink as Japanese-made Eurobeat.
It’s a nostalgic track featuring digital sounds that weren’t all that familiar back then.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
Even after the breakup of Amin, who made a huge hit with “Matsuwa,” Takako Okamura’s remarkable success continued.
On impression shows, everyone used to imitate “expressionless Amin,” didn’t they? Okamura has many hit songs, but one of the most beloved among them is “Yume wo Akiramenai de” (“Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams”).
This life-affirming anthem, which says, “If you keep wishing and keep trying, your dreams will surely come true,” is a song I want to keep listening to for life.
I imagine many people were saved by this song when studying felt tough or work got overwhelming.
It’s a track I’d love to hear used in commercials even more.
Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu
Although she debuted as an idol singer, this is Ann Lewis’s 23rd single, on which she excelled as a pioneer of kayō-rock.
The track was used in a commercial for Godo Shusei’s Warikka Highball CAN and has become a karaoke staple beloved across generations.
Her husky yet powerful vocals made a strong impression on listeners and enjoyed enduring popularity on cable radio as well.
Covered by numerous musicians—including all-female bands—the song is known as a quintessential example of 1980s kayō-rock.
80s commercial songs. A roundup of 80s Japanese pop songs used in commercials so far (11–20)
BAD COMMUNICATIONB’z
A unique and solitary presence in Japan’s rock scene, the rock unit B’z continues to pursue new activities with vigor.
This song, known as the track that sparked B’z’s breakthrough, was featured in a commercial for Fujitsu’s FM TOWNS.
It is also known for becoming the first million-selling maxi single.
The catchy chopped guitar riding on a rock-dance beat that samples a variety of tones really sticks in your ears.
With numerous versions and frequent live performances, it’s a famous song that’s indispensable when talking about B’z in the 1980s.
Sumire September Loveippūdō
This is the sixth single by the rock band Ippu-Do, who originally performed as the backing band for Sho Yamamoto, once dubbed the Japanese Mick Jagger.
The song was used in a commercial for Kanebo Cosmetics’ “Lady 80 Powder Eyeshadow” and became a major hit, peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It also gained renewed popularity when it was covered by the visual kei band SHAZNA in 1997, making it well-known across generations.
Its striking, Chinese-influenced melody likely made a strong impact on the J-pop scene of the time.
With a subtly nostalgic atmosphere that’s hard to resist, it’s a number that transcends the 1980s.
Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi
This is the third single by singer-songwriter Ayumi Nakamura, known as a leading female rock vocalist of the 1980s.
The song was featured in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial and is also recognized as Nakamura’s biggest hit.
Its poignant, youth-evoking lyrics and Nakamura’s husky voice continue to move many listeners even as times change.
Though released in the 1980s, it remains a timeless classic, with its music video surpassing 10 million views on YouTube today.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
Originally debuting under the name “Chanels” and renamed in 1983, this is the first single by the chorus group Rats & Star.
Chosen as a Shiseido campaign song in the summer of 1983, it’s also well known for having been covered by numerous musicians, including Kumi Koda.
Its catchy phrases—driven by emotional vocals and exquisite harmonies—are something many listeners across generations have likely heard at least once.
With lyrics and an arrangement that perfectly evoke summertime, it stands as an iconic number representing the 1980s.