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 1980s Japanese pop songs used in commercials so far (31–40)
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.
After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko
It was released in 1985 as Kyoko Koizumi’s 17th single.
It debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling over 280,000 copies.
The song was used in a commercial for Fuji Photo Film’s “Cardia,” and thanks to its success, she appeared for the second consecutive year at the 36th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Return to Myself ~ I won’t, I won’t, summer.Hamada Mari
Released in 1989 as Mari Hamada’s ninth single.
It was used as the Kanebo Cosmetics ’89 summer campaign song, and commercials featuring Nene Otsuka aired extensively.
It became Hamada’s first No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart and her biggest hit.
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.
WALKCHAGE and ASKA
This is a commercial for the kei car VIVIO that was sold in the 1990s.
In this ad, the VIVIO RX-R—known for its impressive sporty specs, featuring 4WD and a supercharger—is introduced, and it shows the RX-R swiftly overtaking a car driven by a woman.
Surprisingly, the sporty visuals are set to a ballad by CHAGE and ASKA.
Titled “WALK,” the song was originally released under the name Chage & Asuka in 1989, and then re-released under CHAGE and ASKA in 1992, the year the commercial aired.
Reading the lyrics, which express earnest feelings for a beloved woman, might remind you of a passionate romance you once experienced.
80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s used in commercials (41–50)
A weekend close to the skyImai Miki
It’s a song included on Miki Imai’s first best-of album, Ivory, released in 1989.
It became a long-running hit, staying on the Oricon album chart for over 100 weeks, and was her first million-seller.
It was also used in a commercial for Asahi Life Insurance.
240 Million EyesGō Hiromi
It was released in 1984 as Hiromi Go’s 50th single.
The song was used as the campaign song for “Exotic Japan,” which became the final campaign by Japanese National Railways.
The title comes from the idea that when the song was released, Japan’s total population was about 120 million, meaning 240 million eyes, and it has been loved as one of Hiromi Go’s signature songs.