A must-see for people in their 30s and 40s! A roundup of nostalgic 1990s commercial jingles
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.
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- Commercial songs from the 2000s. A roundup of nostalgic hits from the 00s.
- [From timeless classics to the latest hits] A roundup of catchy commercial songs
- [I want to listen again!] Popular beer commercial songs. All-time CM songs [2026]
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
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- Nescafé commercial songs: timeless classics, both new and nostalgic, that suit a rich aroma
- You've definitely heard it before! The song from the chocolate commercial
A must-see for people in their 30s and 40s! A roundup of nostalgic 1990s commercial songs (21–30)
DEPARTURESglobe
DEPARTURES, the fourth single released by globe in 1996, is one of their best-selling tracks and is often cited as a quintessential winter song.
A defining hit of the 1990s, it was also used in JR East’s “JR SKI SKI” commercials.
It was hugely popular as a karaoke favorite at the time.
The song kicks off with the chorus, making an immediate impact, while the verse sections are gentle and evocative—a masterpiece that powerfully conveys sadness and longing.
Sunny Day SundaySENTIMENTAL:BUS
Featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial, this song became the band’s biggest hit and instantly made them famous.
Unfortunately, they haven’t had hits since, but it remains a timeless classic you want to listen to in summer, and it’s popular at karaoke as well.
feels like HEAVEN ~Surely it will come, surely it will come~HIIH
H IIH’s “feels like HEAVEN ~Kitto Kuru Kitto Kuru~,” released in 1998, is strongly associated with the movie Ring.
While the opening part draws attention, the overall sound isn’t designed to incite fear; instead, an electronic timbre with a steady, light rhythm resonates throughout.
By deliberately offsetting the rhythms of the sound and the vocals, it creates a unique atmosphere along with a sense of groove.
A version with adapted lyrics was used in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial, and, drawing on the film’s imagery, it portrays an eerie scene where something seems about to jump out.
BUSY NOWhitomi
It was hitomi’s eighth single, released in 1997.
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro, it became popular not only for the song but also for the buzz around hitomi’s lifestyle and her beautiful physique.
The track was used as the theme song for Daihatsu’s Terios commercial.
Open your heartZARD
Kokoro o Hirai Te (Open Your Heart) is ZARD’s 18th single, released in May 1996.
It became a hit after being used in a Pocari Sweat commercial.
Izumi Sakai’s fresh, clear vocals matched perfectly with the ad’s youthful imagery.
Riding in a Corolla IIOzawa Kenji
This is one of the representative songs by Kenji Ozawa, an artist who was also active as a member of Flipper’s Guitar and helped shape the Shibuya-kei sound.
As the title suggests, the song was created for a Corolla II commercial, and after the commercial became a major hit, the CD was released.
Centered around the tone of an acoustic guitar, the gentle sound conveys the warmth of everyday life.
The cheerful lyrics, which recall memories made alongside the Corolla II, are also striking, and the commercial that features this song matches the lyrics, creating a similarly joyful atmosphere.
To Those Daysanzenchitai
It became a hit after being featured as the theme song for House Foods’ “Hokkaido Stew” commercial.
Koji Tamaki’s rich, soaring vocals match the bittersweet melody, and the lyrics really resonate.
Among the many hits by Anzen Chitai, this song is especially popular and has long been a favorite among fans.