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 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.
My Pure LadyOzaki Ami
Ami Ozaki’s third single, “My Pure Lady,” was released in 1977.
Featured in a Shiseido commercial, the song quickly made Ozaki widely known.
It may be something only some people know, but Shiseido’s commercials in the 1980s had an elegant, timeless cool.
The melody of this track has a subtle bossa nova feel, and the lyrics evoke an emotional sense of spring that makes your heart race with excitement as you listen.
It’s a classic that continues to be loved and comes highly recommended.
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.
Graduationsaitou yuki
What do you think Maiko Ito, Yoko Minamino, and Fumie Hosokawa all have in common? The answer is that they all debuted through the Miss Magazine contest organized by Weekly Shonen Magazine.
Yuki Saito was one of them, too—she won the 3rd Miss Magazine contest and entered the entertainment world.
Her song “Sotsugyo,” which expresses the bittersweet feelings of a girl graduating with unrequited love, was also a big hit.
Her voice was on the lower side, wasn’t it? Yuki Saito had a slightly different, laid-back vibe compared to typical idols, and that image hasn’t changed even as she’s grown older.
Her warm, softly charming commercials were fun as well.
It’s a truly pleasant song that’s quintessential of a Showa-era idol.
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.
80s commercial songs. A compilation of Japanese pop songs from the 80s used in commercials (21–30)
A new face you might love to hateYoshikawa Koji
Kōji Kikkawa’s “Nikumaresō na NEW FACE,” used as Kanebo’s summer campaign song in 1985, was a big hit and reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It was his fifth single, released in 1985.
From his debut, he blazed his own trail, with an original singing style that captivated not only women at the time but men as well.
In this song, you can really feel the way of life that is Kōji Kikkawa’s charm—it’s cool in every little detail (lol).
As you listen, the impactful chorus sends your mood soaring—watch out for getting overly hyped! Even after all this time, it’s still a masterpiece.