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.
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- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
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80s commercial songs. A compilation of Japanese pop songs from the 80s used in commercials (1–10)
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.
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.
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.
80s commercial songs. A roundup of 80s Japanese pop songs used in commercials so far (11–20)
ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG
This is the 10th single by the rock band HOUND DOG, whose vocalist, Yasuharu Otomo, has continued to use the name for his activities since the band disbanded in 2005.
The song was featured in a Nissin Foods “Cup Noodles” commercial, and just hearing the synth in the intro probably makes many people want to throw their fists in the air.
In 2016, it was also used in a JA Bank “Pension Accounts” commercial as a parody version performed by Otomo himself, and it’s still a tune you hear in many contexts today.
With its passionate lyrics and Otomo’s captivating vocals that truly resonate, it stands as one of HOUND DOG’s signature songs—a band that commanded massive live audiences in the late 1980s.
I’m smitten with you.Yellow Magic Orchestra
YMO is, of course, the abbreviation for Yellow Magic Orchestra.
The music they created went beyond the realm of an orchestra and became a global standard.
I mean, having Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahashi in the same group was like a dream, wasn’t it? One slightly unusual track by YMO featuring vocals is Kimi ni, Mune Kyun.
The sight of the three of them swaying as they sing comes off as kind of cute, and the song quickly became a huge hit.
It feels like the phrase mune kyun (heart-throbbing) really took root thanks to this song.
It’s a nostalgic number from the group that laid the groundwork for techno and new wave.
Full of memoriesH₂O
The music duo H2O, whose distinctive name conveys the idea of “wanting to spark a chemical reaction,” released this as their fifth single.
The song was used as the theme for the TV anime Miyuki, and because it’s often performed as a choir piece in elementary and junior high schools, it’s a number widely known across generations.
It was also featured in commercials—Canon’s PIXUS in 2005 and Saison Automobile & Fire Insurance’s “Otona no Jidōsha Hoken” in 2011—helping it gain recognition among newer listeners as well.
Its clear, translucent vocals and melody make it feel like a classic to anyone, in any era.
It’s no wonder it has been chosen for so many commercials; it truly is a masterpiece.
Serenade, if anythingInoue Yosui
Even Inoue Yosui himself appeared in the commercials, and his song “Isso Serenade” was used as the image song for Suntory’s Kakubin.
It was his 23rd single, released in 1984.
Perhaps because it was a whiskey commercial, the ads at the time exuded a strong sense of masculine allure from Inoue Yosui.
Like the commercials, this track carries a masculine sensuality and Inoue’s distinctive ennui, creating a mellow, comfortable vibe.
Even now, it feels timeless and never gets old.
It’s a highly recommended ’80s commercial song that unmistakably radiates the dignity of a classic.
