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 compilation of Japanese pop songs from the 80s used in commercials (1–10)
Violet-colored tearsNEW!Iwasaki Hiromi
This is a song sung by Hiromi Iwasaki that was used as the commercial theme for the second-generation Subaru Leone.
Iwasaki herself also appeared in the Leone commercials at the time.
The song was originally released in 1968 by Jackie Yoshikawa and The Blue Comets, and Iwasaki covered and released it in 1981.
The lyrics, which overlay a bittersweet love with violets, are deeply evocative, and combined with Iwasaki’s pure singing voice, the piece leaves a poignant, heartfelt impression.
Hee, hee, hee, hee,EPO
EPO’s “U, Fu, Fu, Fu,” known for its refreshing sound, leaves a strong impression.
EPO was active as a singer-songwriter, and one of her songs was also used as the theme for the 1980s variety show “Oretachi Hyōkin-zoku.” This track was her fifth single, released in 1983, and it was featured as the Shiseido cosmetics spring 1983 campaign commercial song.
The music, which feels like spring throughout your whole body, is upbeat and energizing just by listening.
Its bright melody and lyrics stick in your head, making you want to replay it or hum along.
It’s a classic that lifts your spirits and makes you want to listen again and again.
Only oneNEW!Yano Akiko
This commercial promotes the importance of staying hydrated even as spring approaches, conveyed through the appearances of Yō Yoshida and Rio Suzuki.
While presenting the unique development of the two swapping outfits, it also speaks to the importance of hydration, which in turn communicates the convenience of Pocari Sweat.
The song that further highlights the calm atmosphere depicted in the visuals is Akiko Yano’s “Hitotsu Dake.” Set to a gentle sound, a soft duet unfolds, conveying a positive mood.
Ever-Summer GirlNEW!Koizumi Kyoko
This commercial promotes Pocari Sweat’s Ice Slurry—loved for its uniquely frozen texture—through appearances by Yo Yoshida and Rio Suzuki.
There’s a moment where drinking it makes an odd sound, and their smiles at that point convey not only a refreshing feel but also a sense of ease and approachability.
Further highlighting the calm atmosphere depicted in the visuals is Kyoko Koizumi’s song Tokonatsu Musume.
With its bright, summer-themed vibe and buoyant rhythm, it conveys an energetic urge to enjoy the season.
Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseNEW!Matsutōya Yumi
Just as the saying goes, “Kids are like the wind,” children are full of energy even in the cold—and this commercial highlights how Pocari Sweat supports that energy.
The lively back-and-forth between Yoh Yoshida and Rio Suzuki is striking, and it also conveys their determination to enjoy the season to the fullest, not to be outdone by the kids.
The song that accentuates the bright mood depicted in the visuals is Yumi Matsutoya’s “Surf Tengoku, Ski Tengoku.” It’s a track that portrays seasonal leisure activities with a light, upbeat sound, and its dazzling development evokes smiles, doesn’t it?
The time is now, within you.biriibanban
The Japanese folk duo Billy BanBan’s “Toki wa Ima, Kimi no Naka” was released in 1988 and is famous as the theme song for the iichiko commercial.
The song is particularly well-known as a commercial tune and was selected for the CM Sound Selection’s Best 6.
The music and vocals are so intoxicating that even people who don’t drink might feel tipsy just listening to it (lol).
That’s how clear and captivating the lyrics, melody, and vocals are overall.
It’s a timeless masterpiece that has been loved for many years without feeling dated.
Wine Red Heartanzenchitai
This is the fourth single by Anzenchitai, a five-member rock band centered around Koji Tamaki, known for his overwhelming vocal prowess and musical sensibility.
It’s also famous for being used as the image song for Suntory’s “Akadama Punch” commercial and as the ending theme for the drama “Machigai Darake no Otto Erabi,” making it one of the emblematic tracks of Japan’s 1980s music scene.
Its fully melancholic, mature atmosphere carries a vivid sense of place that still conjures up images even today.
A truly lyrical number that’s perfectly suited to a wine commercial.
