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 roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s used in commercials (41–50)
radianceOkamura Takako
This commercial highlights the cleansing power of Merit to remove dirt and protect the scalp, conveying that this leads to brighter days.
It features Yuriko Ishida washing her hair with Merit and letting her hair flow, with her smile expressing the joy of beautiful hair.
Enhancing the refreshing atmosphere of the visuals is Takako Okamura’s song “Kagayaki” (Radiance).
The piano-centered, dazzling sound and her soaring vocals convey not only a sense of freshness but also a positive, uplifting feeling.
80s commercial songs. A roundup of 80s Japanese pop music used in commercials so far (51–60).
Dance, fish.Yamashita Tatsuro
This commercial conveys the excitement of traveling and spending time in Okinawa through images of Yuriko Ishida enjoying the Okinawan sea.
With sunny skies, crystal-clear water, and her radiant smile layered over it all, it vividly and refreshingly portrays the fun of leisure and sports.
The song that further highlights the gentle exhilaration expressed in these visuals is Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Odoroyo, Fish” (“Let’s Dance, Fish”).
Its light rhythm paired with a soft, memorable melody, and the buoyant layering of sounds, all effectively communicate a sense of joy.
actressIwasaki Hiromi
This commercial shows Hiromi Iwasaki driving Subaru’s new Leone, conveying its various onboard features and smooth, comfortable ride.
The closing line, “I love it because it’s gentle,” also underscores the Leone’s sense of security.
The song used to enhance the ad’s refreshing atmosphere is Iwasaki’s “Joyu” (“Actress”).
Its sound is striking for blending calmness with a light touch, and the percussion timbres add a sense of passion.
The lyrics, which portray the life of an actress, evoke an image of strength.
AccompliceYazawa Eikichi
This is a renowned song in which Eikichi Yazawa, at the age of 39, became conscious of the allure of “adult danger” and opened up a new frontier.
While knowing it’s forbidden, the song thrillingly portrays a precarious relationship between a man and a woman who deeply desire each other.
Produced from his first London recording, it features an urban, weighty sound driven by synthesizers, interwoven exquisitely with a moist, melancholic melody that instantly draws listeners into its world.
Released in July 1988 as his first single after switching record labels, it also gained major attention as the theme for the Ginza Jewelry Maki Camelia Diamond commercial.
A net with a sighMinamino Yoko
It was released in 1988 as Yoko Minamino’s 11th single.
The song was used as the theme for Kanebo’s spring cosmetics commercial in 1988, and it became her first single to sell over 300,000 copies, making it her biggest hit.
It is a beloved song that represents Yoko Minamino’s peak idol era.
MUGO… so sexyKudō Shizuka
Released in 1988 as Shizuka Kudo’s fifth single, this song was used as the image song for Kanebo’s 1988 autumn promotion, with lyrics written by Miyuki Nakajima.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and with this song she made her first appearance at the 39th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
While shining…Tokunaga Hideaki
This is a song released by Hideaki Tokunaga in 1987, re-cut as a single from his original album “BIRDS.” It was used as the commercial song for Fujicolor Super HR featuring Yoko Minamino, and became Tokunaga’s breakthrough hit.
Even more than a decade after its release, it continued to be featured in commercials, making it a classic beloved by a wide range of generations.