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 (1–10)
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.
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.
Lonely Tropical FishWink
I used to think idols were always smiling, but the two members of Wink were more expressionless, weren’t they? I remember Shoko Aida later saying, “It wasn’t that we were expressionless; we were just very nervous.” Such a heartwarming episode.
The choreography in the chorus where they cover their faces with both arms became a huge fad.
People have even referred to songs by Chisato Moritaka and Wink as Japanese-made Eurobeat.
It’s a nostalgic track featuring digital sounds that weren’t all that familiar back then.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
Even after the breakup of Amin, who made a huge hit with “Matsuwa,” Takako Okamura’s remarkable success continued.
On impression shows, everyone used to imitate “expressionless Amin,” didn’t they? Okamura has many hit songs, but one of the most beloved among them is “Yume wo Akiramenai de” (“Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams”).
This life-affirming anthem, which says, “If you keep wishing and keep trying, your dreams will surely come true,” is a song I want to keep listening to for life.
I imagine many people were saved by this song when studying felt tough or work got overwhelming.
It’s a track I’d love to hear used in commercials even more.
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.
Sumire September Loveippūdō
This is the sixth single by the rock band Ippu-Do, who originally performed as the backing band for Sho Yamamoto, once dubbed the Japanese Mick Jagger.
The song was used in a commercial for Kanebo Cosmetics’ “Lady 80 Powder Eyeshadow” and became a major hit, peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It also gained renewed popularity when it was covered by the visual kei band SHAZNA in 1997, making it well-known across generations.
Its striking, Chinese-influenced melody likely made a strong impact on the J-pop scene of the time.
With a subtly nostalgic atmosphere that’s hard to resist, it’s a number that transcends the 1980s.
Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu
Although she debuted as an idol singer, this is Ann Lewis’s 23rd single, on which she excelled as a pioneer of kayō-rock.
The track was used in a commercial for Godo Shusei’s Warikka Highball CAN and has become a karaoke staple beloved across generations.
Her husky yet powerful vocals made a strong impression on listeners and enjoyed enduring popularity on cable radio as well.
Covered by numerous musicians—including all-female bands—the song is known as a quintessential example of 1980s kayō-rock.