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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Western pop hits from the 80s used in commercials. Nostalgic CM song roundup (41–50)
Fireboy Meets His MatchBoy George
The lead singer of Culture Club at the time, who was churning out hits like “Karma Chameleon,” was Boy George.
The song used in the commercial for TAKARA CAN Chu-Hi Jun, in which he appeared as the monk Xuanzang, was the Japanese-titled track he sang, “Koi no Fire Boy” (Fire Boy of Love).
DesireGail Lennon
This song is Gail Lennon’s track known in Japan as “Ai no Desire.” It’s a Eurobeat-style number with female vocals.
The song was used as the commercial jingle for TAKARA’s “Barbican” in 1987.
Bad MedicineBon Jovi
The song used in the commercial for SANYO’s S-VHS video deck was “Bad Medicine” by the American rock band Bon Jovi.
This hard rock tune, which expresses the ‘sickness’ of love, was released in 1988 and spent two consecutive weeks at No.
1 in the U.S., becoming one of their signature songs.
For the commercial, Bon Jovi performed live, giving it a finish that feels almost like a music video.
I imagine many people decided to buy the product after seeing the ad.
It’s a real mood booster, so be sure to listen to “Bad Medicine” along with the commercial!
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.
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.
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.
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.
