“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!
- [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
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
- Catchy commercial jingles. A roundup of those songs grabbing attention in ads!
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- [I want to hear it again!] Songs from Suntory commercials. Popular commercial jingles
- 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]
1980s Western pop hits used in commercials. A nostalgic roundup of CM songs (1–10).
Livin’ On A PrayerBon Jovi
As a hard rock band representing the United States and enjoying immense popularity in Japan, Bon Jovi’s eighth single is widely known.
In addition to being featured in commercials for AXIA “GT-IIX/PS-IIX,” it has been included on numerous movie soundtracks, making it a globally famous number.
Its distinctive guitar sound created with a talk box and Bon Jovi’s signature catchy yet lyrical melody will get you pumped up no matter when you listen.
It’s one of the most iconic and widely recognized tracks of the 1980s rock scene, both in Japan and abroad.
My OneJoseph Williams
The song used for Morinaga Seika’s “Picnic” commercial aired in 1986 was Joseph Williams’s “My One.” Joseph is the third lead vocalist of the AOR band TOTO, which was formed by top-notch session musicians.
With its synth brass sound and lively rhythm, it’s a very refreshing pop tune.
For those who watched it back then, the ski-resort-themed commercial is probably quite nostalgic.
Hole in My HeartCyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper, known for her distinctive fashion and catchy songs, performed “Hole in My Heart,” which was featured in a Sapporo Beer commercial.
The song was written specifically for her first starring film, “Vibes,” released in 1988.
It’s a bright, poppy track packed with her charm.
Cyndi herself appears in the commercial, so be sure to check it out and give “Hole in My Heart” a listen!
Can’t Take My Eyes Off YouBoys Town Gang
The disco classic that the Boys Town Gang covered in 1982 and turned into a huge hit is “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” In Japan, it’s also well known under the title “Kimi no Hitomi ni Koishiteru.” It was used in the 2016 Y!mobile commercial “1980 SHOCK” (Disco edition) featuring Mirei Kiritani.
The brilliant sound of the strings and brass really lifts your spirits when you listen to it.
The Power Of LoveHuey Lewis & The News
Huey Lewis and the News’s “The Power of Love” was written as the theme song for the 1985 sci‑fi classic Back to the Future.
Its powerful synth-brass intro is especially memorable.
The song reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts and was nominated for Best Original Song at the 58th Academy Awards.
In Japan, it was also used as the commercial song for HONDA’s INTEGRA, featuring Michael J.
Fox.
Is There Something I Should Know?Duran Duran
Known as pioneers of the New Romantic movement, Duran Duran’s “Is There Something I Should Know?” is one of their hit songs, reaching No.
4 on the U.S.
charts.
It was also used in a Suntory Whisky “Q” commercial, so many people may find it familiar.
With drum production and guitar sounds that are quintessentially ’80s, it’s a catchy pop tune.
Causing A CommotionMadonna
Madonna, known as the Queen of Pop, delivers an upbeat dance tune packed with her charm in “Causing a Commotion.” It reached No.
2 in the U.S., No.
4 in the U.K., topped the dance chart, and became one of her signature songs.
In Japan, it was used in a Mitsubishi Electric VCR commercial, in which Madonna herself appeared and performed sharp, dynamic dance moves.
It was the perfect track for a commercial featuring a then near-futuristic product like a VCR.