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!
- 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!
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- [Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials
- [2026] Mitsubishi Motors' commercial songs: A treasure trove of classic Western hits from past ads
- Catchy commercial jingles. A roundup of those songs grabbing attention in ads!
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
- Honda commercial songs: introducing memorable past CM tracks and the latest buzzworthy tunes
- Catchy Commercial Jingles and Ad Songs Featured on YouTube Shorts
- [Western Music Collection] Compilation of Car Commercial Songs [2026]
- Classic enka songs featured in commercials, along with original CM tracks, introduced together!
- Ranking of Commercial Songs and Popular Hits by Western Female Singers [2026]
1980s Western pop hits featured in commercials: A nostalgic roundup of CM songs (21–30)
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Over Night SuccessTERI DESARIO
“Over Night Success,” sung by American singer-songwriter Teri DeSario, was released in 1984.
The song was created and released as a commercial jingle for Sony’s cassette tapes and became a big hit in Japan.
WomanJohn Lennon
John Lennon, who, alongside Paul McCartney, served as a central member handling guitar and vocals in the legendary British band The Beatles, was tragically shot and killed in 1980.
His song “Woman” was used that same year as the commercial song for the Mitsubishi eK Wagon.