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.
- 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!
- Nostalgic commercials from the 2000s: revisiting ads that left a lasting impression
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- Unforgettable! Memorable commercial jingles. Popular commercial songs.
- Heartwarming nostalgic commercial jingles: a special collection of timeless hits that take you back.
- 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
- All-Time Nescafé Popular Commercials and Jingles Roundup
- [Funny Commercials] Hilarious! Memorable Ads
- 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)
Yamazaki is number one!Yamazaki Hiroya
This is a commercial introducing a soupless dandan noodles product that you can enjoy just by heating it in a microwave—a big part of its appeal is how easy it is.
The ad features a close-up of Hiroya Yamazaki’s face, highlighting the product’s charm and its strong sales.
Yamazaki’s indescribable expression is surreal and really memorable, isn’t it? The song playing in the background is actually a parody of the theme song from the 1997 anime “Class King Yamazaki.” For men from the early Heisei era (single-digit years), it’s probably a nostalgic tune, don’t you think?
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.
Tonight is a Hearty PartyTakeuchi Mariya
It’s a song by Mariya Takeuchi with a cheerful, Eurobeat-inspired rhythm that captures the fun of a youth-filled party.
Composed as a commercial song for Kentucky Fried Chicken, it also conveys the excitement of Christmas.
There’s even a notable anecdote that Takuya Kimura appears in the lyrics, which led to asking him to do the opening lines and chorus—an episode that underscores the song’s playful spirit.
The commercial that used the song likewise expresses the exhilaration of Christmas and parties, conveying how KFC supports people’s smiles.
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.
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.
Hurry up.Kyūhō Ruriko
Released in 1994 as Ruriko Kubo’s 11th single.
It vividly conveys her feelings—both a slightly strong-willed side and a cute side—toward a man she’s impatiently in love with.
It was used as the CM song for NTT’s “docomo Pocket Bell.”
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.