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!
- A must-see for people in their 30s and 40s! A roundup of nostalgic 1990s commercial jingles
- [Nostalgic Commercials] A compilation of commercials that aired in the Showa era
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
- Heartwarming nostalgic commercial jingles: a special collection of timeless hits that take you back.
- [I want to hear it again!] Songs from Suntory commercials. Popular commercial jingles
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Western songs from the 90s featured in commercials. A roundup of CM songs.
- [Summer Tunes] A roundup of commercial songs featured in summer ads
- [Touches the heart] Bittersweet commercial songs: those famous tracks that make you tear up
- Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
- [Nostalgic Classics] Hit Japanese Love Songs from the 1980s
80s commercial songs. A compilation of Japanese pop songs from the 80s used in commercials (21–30)
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro
Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” is a song released in 1983 that also drew attention when it was used as the CM song for JR Tokai’s winter-defining X’mas Express campaign.
While the lyrics convey a sense of loneliness, the sound carries a certain festive air that leaves a strong impression.
Elements like the inclusion of Pachelbel’s Canon in the interlude evoke images of Christmas joy and warmth in various ways.
Eri Fukatsu appears in the commercial, and together with the comical entrance of the person being awaited, it portrays the happiness of a couple.
Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI
“Paradise Ginga” is Hikaru GENJI’s third single, released in March 1988, and it was used as the commercial song for Seibuen Yuenchi.
It topped the Oricon charts for five consecutive weeks and won the Grand Prix at the 30th Japan Record Awards.
80s commercial songs. A roundup of 1980s Japanese pop songs used in commercials so far (31–40)
Caribbean in LoveOginome Yōko
It was released in 1985 as Yoko Oginome’s fifth single.
The song was used in a Kao “Biore U” commercial featuring Yoko Oginome herself, with the ad filmed in Guam.
It is also a staple cheer song in Japanese high school baseball.
Although it peaked at No.
24 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, it is a well-known track.
Stray AngelKisugi Takao
Haguresō na Tenshi (A Straying Angel) is a song by Takao Kisugi released in September 1985, with lyrics written by his older sister, Etsuko Kisugi.
It was used in a Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
commercial.
The following year, a cover by Takako Okamura was released, which was also used in a Honda commercial.
I Love You,SAYONARAChekkāzu
It was released in 1987 as The Checkers’ 12th single.
The song was used in a commercial for the SEIKO “Avenue” wristwatch, in which the band members also appeared.
They performed this song at the 38th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, and it was also included in the “Farewell Medley” at the 43rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, which was The Checkers’ final stage appearance.
What was happiness, again?Akashiya Sanma
Akashiya Sanma, a comedian, has also been active as a singer, and his 1986 release “Shiawasette Nandakke” was a hit.
He was featured in a commercial for Kikkoman’s ponzu soy sauce, and Sanma himself appeared in the ad.
I want to be dumped with a happy endingAnri
This commercial promotes Sometime Light through refreshing footage of a haircut on a building rooftop.
Both the woman cutting and the man getting his hair cut are smiling, which really conveys the fresh, uplifting mood.
Enhancing the playful, breezy atmosphere of the visuals is Anri’s song “I Want to Be Dumped with a Happy End.” Although the theme is heartbreak, the sound and vocals feel light, revealing a positive emotion that encourages moving forward.