When you hear “commercials from the ’90s,” which ones come to mind?
For those in their 30s and up in particular, many of the commercials that aired in the ’90s probably feel nostalgic.
In this article, we’ll introduce, all at once, the songs that played in those nostalgic ’90s commercials!
We’ve picked not only the classic hits unique to the ’90s—J-pop’s golden era—but also catchy, original CM tracks that really capture the feel of commercials from that time.
These are all songs that will bring those memories rushing back the moment you hear them, so please enjoy listening.
A Must-See for Those in Their 30s and 40s! A Compilation of Nostalgic 1990s Commercial Jingles (1–10)
Pocari Sweat
suddenlyFIELD OF VIEW
FIELD OF VIEW – Suddenly (QHD Remastered Video)
It’s the title track of FIELD OF VIEW’s second single, and thanks in part to the commercial tie-in, it became a major hit.
As with the previous release, the lyrics were written by Izumi Sakai—well known as the vocalist of ZARD—and the music was composed by Tetsurō Oda, an indispensable figure in the music of that era, making for a luxurious creative lineup.
With a powerfully driving rhythm and a message that lifts your spirits and pushes you forward, the song perfectly matches the commercial’s theme of facing challenges.
The commercial featured Emiri Nakayama, active as an actress and TV personality, attempting a flying trapeze, conveying both the spirit of taking on a challenge and the refreshing support of Pocari Sweat.
DEEN “Don’t Avert Your Eyes (DEEN The Best DX)” Music Video Short ver.
This is one of the signature songs by DEEN, a rock band that was especially active in the 1990s.
Like DEEN, Izumi Sakai and Tetsurō Oda—creators who are indispensable when discussing 1990s music from the Being family—were responsible for the lyrics and composition, respectively.
The song features a grand, refreshing sound that evokes a sense of expansiveness, along with vocals and a message that lift your spirits.
The Pocari Sweat commercial that used this song starred Sae Isshiki, and it conveys a straightforward sense of summer’s freshness and heat, as well as the atmosphere of youth.
If I Had Held You Tighter ~WANDS 5th Generation ver.~
You can’t talk about the J-POP scene of the ’90s without mentioning WANDS.
Their songs were everywhere—commercial themes, anime opening tracks—hit after hit.
“Motto Tsuyoku Dakishimetanara” (“If Only I Had Held You Tighter”) is WANDS’ third single, released in 1992, and it was used in a Mitsui Life Insurance commercial featuring actress Atsuko Asano.
It’s a love song that conveys a gentle yet passionate feeling from a male perspective.
While it isn’t a sad love song, there’s a faint touch of melancholy to it.
