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 80s Japanese pop music used in commercials so far (51–60).
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.
I’ll wait.amin
Amin’s “Matsu Wa” won the Grand Prix at the Yamaha Popular Song Contest held in May 1982, and it was released in July of the same year, reaching number one on the Oricon charts.
It was later used as a commercial song for Toyota.
Tales of Happiness: Penguins’ Memory – Complete Collection of Commercials (1984–1985)
This is a compilation of Suntory CAN Beer commercials that aired between 1984 and 1985.
Alongside big-name idols like Seiko Matsuda and Shinobu Otake, the narration is done by George Tokoro—an impressive lineup.
Still, the real highlight, I think, is the poignant, adult love story played out by the adorable penguins.
These penguin characters served as the image mascots for Suntory’s commercials, and they were so popular that an animated feature film was later made: “Penguins’ Memory: A Tale of Happiness.”
Windday, Taking You AlongTHE ALFEE
This commercial, themed around a Passionate Summer Madonna, powerfully yet refreshingly captures the exhilaration of spending summer in Okinawa.
By depicting various activities you can enjoy there, such as yachting and diving, it also conveys the excitement of imagining what to do in Okinawa.
The song that firmly underscores the passion and vigor of the visuals is THE ALFEE’s “Kazeyōbi, Kimi o Tsurete.” With its striking sense of speed and powerful band sound, the forward-driving music paired with a refreshing vocal evokes a distinctly positive attitude.
80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese pop songs from the 80s used in commercials (61–70)
Equator Girl: Dokki!Yamashita Kumiko
It was released in 1982 as Kumiko Yamashita’s sixth single.
Chosen as the image song for Kanebo’s summer cosmetics campaign, it became her first hit.
Following the song’s success, she appeared on many music programs, and it’s said that she even performed the song while riding on the back of a real elephant.
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko
It was released in 1980 as Seiko Matsuda’s second single.
Used in a commercial for Glico Ice Cream “Yorel,” it became an early signature hit that brought Seiko Matsuda widespread recognition.
With this song, she won the Newcomer Award at the 22nd Japan Record Awards, and it was selected as the entrance march for the 53rd National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament held in the spring of 1981.
Two People’s Love IslandIshikawa Yuko & Chage
The collaborative single “Futari no Ailand” by Yuko Ishikawa and Chage was released in April 1984 and was used as a commercial song for JAL’s Okinawa campaign.
It was also used in a Mister Donut commercial in 2011.