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.
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- 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 Music Collection] Compilation of Car Commercial Songs [2026]
1980s Western pop hits featured in commercials: A nostalgic roundup of CM songs (21–30)
La Isla BonitaMadonna
As the Queen of Pop, Madonna has continued to be active from her debut in the 1980s to the present day.
When she visited Japan in 1987, she appeared in a commercial for MITSUBISHI Hi-Fi Video’s VCR.
The commercial song was “La Isla Bonita.”
Part Time LoverStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is the one who has showcased his multifaceted musical talents and has continued to be active from his debut to the present.
The commercial that used his song “Part-Time Lover” was for TDK’s AR series cassette tapes, in which he appeared.
Rock Me AmadeusFalco
Falco is an Austrian musician from Vienna.
Following the success of the 1984 film Amadeus, his song Rock Me Amadeus gained attention and became a hit.
The song was used in a commercial for Mandom’s Water Wax.
I’m In the Mood for DancingThe Nolans
The Nolans are a British sister group.
From the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, they were a vocal group with idol-like popularity.
Their hit song, known in Japan as “Dancing Sister,” has been used in commercials, including for Mitsubishi Motors’ Pajero.
Open ArmsJourney
Journey is a rock band rooted in the American progressive-style hard rock scene.
Among their works, one of their most famous ballads is the song “Open Arms.” This song was used in a 1982 commercial for Nissan’s Elgrand.
DJ IN MY LIFEAnnie
Annie’s classic track “DJ IN MY LIFE.” Released in 1985, it didn’t become a worldwide hit, but it gained popularity in Japan after Shibugakitai released a Japanese-language cover.
Its catchy melody and synth-pop sound that evokes the era are particularly striking.
This time I’m highlighting Elephant Kashimashi’s version, which has a very different vibe from the original, so be sure to check it out.
Private motionJohn Warren
The song “Private Motion,” a classic by artist John Warren, known for his yacht rock–centered musical style.
While Warren excelled at laid-back ballads typical of yacht rock, this track departs from that impression and is crafted as a hard rock piece.
Released in 1989, it exudes a unique atmosphere thanks to the exquisite blend of the sultry phrases of the era and hard rock.