RAG MusicCM
Lovely commercial jingle

Complete collection of car commercials and commercial songs. A comprehensive showcase of CM/ads and CM songs for domestic and foreign car brands.

When you watch TV, you probably see a lot of commercials, and among them, car commercials are especially frequent, aren’t they?

That’s no surprise—there are eight manufacturers whose ads are commonly seen in Japan, and when you add overseas brands to the mix, it’s only natural that you’ll come across car commercials often.

What’s more, each manufacturer chooses music that perfectly fits their commercials, and each of those songs often becomes a hot topic with people asking, “Whose song is that?”

In this article, we’ll introduce those buzzworthy car maker commercials along with the songs featured in them.

You’re likely to find a commercial you happened to see—or a catchy song you heard in one of them.

Let’s dive right in.

Suzuki (1–10)

SUZUKI Alto Works

Are You Gonna Go My WayLenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz – Are You Gonna Go My Way (Official Music Video)
Are You Gonna Go My WayLenny Kravitz

It’s one of the signature songs by popular guitarist and singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz, also known in Japanese as “A Dash for Freedom.” It was used in commercials for the ever-popular Alto Works, which has long enjoyed a devoted following.

The track’s distinctive guitar riff and full-on rock vibe perfectly match the sporty image of the Alto Works.

Although it was released in 1993, many people—including younger generations—have probably heard it.

That’s because, in addition to the Alto Works ads, it was also featured in commercials for Nissan and Wilkinson.

Subaru (1–10)

SUBARU Legacy 1994

Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)NEW!Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart – Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright) (Official Video)
Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)NEW!Rod Stewart

This song, released by Rod Stewart in 1976, is also known in Japan by its translated title “Kimeyou Konya” (“Tonight’s the Night”).

It was featured in a 1994 commercial for the Legacy, in which Rod Stewart himself appeared, playing a part in a branding strategy that boosted the model’s popularity.

The lyrics are filled with passionate messages of love, and combined with Rod Stewart’s husky, sultry vocals and melodic lines, it results in a highly memorable and mellow track.

SUBARU Stella R2 2007

Clouds are white, apples are red.NEW!aiko

aiko - 'The Clouds Are White, The Apples Are Red' music video
Clouds are white, apples are red.NEW!aiko

Aiko’s “Kumo wa Shiro Ringo wa Aka” was released in 2006 as a single preceding the album Kanojo.

Its buoyant rhythm and refreshing sound are striking, and it becomes even lighter as it heads into the chorus.

The lyrics seem to depict the poignancy of looking back on memories, and precisely because the sound is so airy, it also conveys a determination to push forward decisively.

As a commercial song, it was used in 2007 for Subaru’s Stella R2 commercial, with a structure that highlights a sense of exhilaration through its bouncy rhythm.

Toyota (1–10)

Toyota Corolla Series: The Evolutionary Trajectory

Little Dancer feat. Ito (PEOPLE 1)WurtS

[W’s] WurtS – Little Dancer feat. Ito (PEOPLE 1) (“Puzzle-Solving” Video)
Little Dancer feat. Ito (PEOPLE 1)WurtS

The song that played in the Corolla series “Evolution Trail” segment, “Little Dancer feat.

Ito (PEOPLE 1),” is a digital single released in August 2021 by up-and-coming artist WurtS, known for the TikTok sensation “Wakattenaiyo.” It’s a disco-rock number featuring Ito from the enigmatic Tokyo band PEOPLE 1.

The rhythmic guitar riffs and languid, flowing vocals create an exquisite vibe that’s seriously addictive.

YARIS CROSS “CROSS for” Version

Moon BowlSakanakushon

Sakanaction / Moon Bowl -Music Live Video-
Moon BowlSakanakushon

In the highly anticipated commercial for Toyota’s compact SUV, the Yaris Cross, the “CROSS for” version has been airing since September 2020.

The song featured in this ad is by Sakanaction.

When the commercial first began airing, the only information released was that Sakanaction was in charge of the music, sparking widespread curiosity about the details.

However, at the time, everything beyond the portion used in the CM was still in production, and even the title hadn’t been decided.

With the phrase “Kininari Dance,” which somehow gets stuck in your head, it’s a catchy and danceable track that’s quintessentially them.

Nissan (1–10)

Nissan '90 Years of Nissan Technology' Version

Highermilet

milet “Higher” Lyric Teaser (Nissan Motor 90th Anniversary CM Song)
Highermilet

Did you know Nissan celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2023? The “Nissan Technology 90th Anniversary” segment conveys the company’s long history and passion.

In the background, “Higher” sung by milet is playing.

Her powerful vocals heighten the sense of anticipation for new challenges.

Nissan × DISH// “Drive Letter” Version

Dreamer DriversDISH//

DISH// – Dreamer Drivers [Official Video]
Dreamer DriversDISH//

This commercial conveys Nissan’s desire to support people heading out into the distance, portrayed through the members of DISH//.

With the theme “Drive Letter,” it depicts the DISH// members making their way to someone important to them.

Throughout, it evokes the warmth of human connection—reuniting with loved ones, delivering a letter, and more.

The soundtrack, DISH//’s “Dreamer Drivers,” is also striking, reinforcing the sense of speed as they race far ahead and highlighting a positive, uplifting feeling.