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
- [Funny Commercials] Hilarious! Memorable Ads
- 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)
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
This is a commercial introducing the nighttime gel pack released by Zeria Pharmaceutical.
It highlights how you can easily take care of your skin by quickly applying it before bed and just going to sleep.
By showing Mami Abe actually using the product, the ad does a great job of conveying how simple it is.
The BGM in this commercial is “TOMORROW,” a signature song by Mayo Okamoto released in 1995.
Many people have likely found support in its lyrics, which offer a gentle push of encouragement.
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.
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.
Take me to DRIVE.Imai Miki
Featured as the CM song for House Foods’ “Ripe Tomato, Eggplant, and Curry,” it has a pop sound that, true to its title, makes you want to go for a drive, and its cute lyrics lift your spirits.
It remains a long-standing favorite among longtime fans.
I’m proudKahara Tomomi
One of Tomomi Kahara’s signature songs from her career as an actress, produced by Tetsuya Komuro.
Its gentle sound centered on piano and strings gradually builds into a more powerful tone, conveying the determination to face one’s heart and move forward.
Kahara’s resounding vocals are a major highlight, expressing a resolve to proceed in one’s own way.
The commercial that featured this song included appearances by both Tomomi Kahara and Tetsuya Komuro, depicting a story of Kahara’s growth as an artist alongside the tagline, “Something that can make you more beautiful than love.”
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.
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.