80s Western pop hits featured in commercials. A roundup of nostalgic CM songs.
“What was that song they used in that commercial again…?” Everyone’s had that moment at least once.
And when it’s a Western song, you might only remember the lyrics vaguely.
In this article, we’re rounding up and introducing popular tracks from the 1980s—the so-called golden age of Western music—that were featured in Japanese commercials!
The lineup includes not only nostalgic commercials from the ’80s for those who remember the era, but also recent ads that have revived ’80s hits.
Younger readers might even discover that a familiar commercial jingle was actually a hit from the 1980s.
Enjoy!
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- Western songs from the 90s featured in commercials. A roundup of CM songs.
- Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing famous songs recently featured in commercials, too!
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- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
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Western pop hits from the 80s used in commercials. Nostalgic CM song roundup (41–50)
The Blood That Moves The Bodya-ha
The song “The Blood That Moves The Body” by a-ha was used in a Gatsby commercial that also featured the band members.
The ad combined image cuts of the a-ha members and flowers with product shots, creating a simple, almost overseas-style commercial.
The track is included on the 1988 album “Stay on These Roads” and was later released as a single.
Its synth-infused sound and the vocals’ subtle sense of wistfulness leave a strong impression.
XanaduOlivia Newton-John
In this commercial, which highlights the desire to stand by and support customers, Mao Inoue puts those feelings into words.
Many viewers likely felt, “I can trust them!” when they heard the message about walking together to make their dreams come true someday.
The background music features a song from the 1980 film Xanadu.
It has a bright, refreshing vibe and is very pleasant to listen to.
FunkytownLipps Inc
Lipps Inc.
is an American technopop music unit.
When Stephen, who was originally in charge of instrumentation, produced the song “Funkytown,” there was no vocalist, and Cynthia—who would go on to handle vocals—was selected through an audition.
This song was used as the commercial theme for Honda’s That’s in 1984.
Just Like ParadiseDavid Lee Roth
“Just Like Paradise,” which was used as the CM (commercial) song for Toshiba Arena, is sung by David Lee Roth, who was very popular in Japan at the time—so those of that generation may remember it.
It has an upbeat, catchy sound.
Tuxedo BodyLeo Sayer
This commercial straight-up showcases what Okinawa, reached via ANA, is like, with the sea at its heart.
It focuses solely on people walking along the shore, and the bright, bursting smiles you see there convey the freshness and exhilaration of Okinawa’s ocean.
The song that further emphasizes the passion and breeziness felt from these visuals is Leo Sayer’s “Tuxedo Body.” The blend of its gentle sound and expansive vocals is striking, and the soft tones that create a sense of floating have a calming effect that really puts your mind at ease.
