Tearjerker: Moving and Heartwarming Masterpieces of Commercial Jingles and Songs

I can’t put it into wordsOda Kazumasa

Kazumasa Oda himself Kotoba ni Dekinai Full

Kazumasa Oda’s “Kotoba ni Dekinai,” famous as a Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance commercial song, was originally released as the 23rd single by Off Course.

Although the lyrics are filled with joy, the melody brings you to tears.

When you watch it together with the commercial, it’s a song that truly makes you feel like crying.

Change The WorldEric Clapton

Change the World [with Japanese translation] Eric Clapton

It’s used as the CM song for Suntory Premium Boss “Premium Kumamoto.” At first you might think it’s a mutual-love song, but it’s actually about being in the midst of unrequited love.

The song overflows with the bittersweet feelings of singing to someone you like.

The chorus is a melody that everyone’s heard before.

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK

Wherever you are

A tear-jerking rock ballad that sings a vow of eternal love: “No matter where you are, I’ll always be by your side.” One of ONE OK ROCK’s signature songs, included on their 2010 album Niche Syndrome.

It was featured in NTT Docomo’s 2015 commercial “Family,” and ranked No.

1 for songs used at weddings for two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018.

It’s a track you’ll want to hear when you want to reaffirm your bond with someone important, especially if you’re not great at expressing your love straightforwardly.

Today, with youYamada Masashi

Masashi Yamada – Today, With You [Lyric Video]

Masashi Yamada, the vocalist of the rock band THE BACK HORN, sings with a tender, mature allure, tinged with heartbreak.

He’s great at songs where he screams, but the ones that showcase his voice are also outstanding.

The guitar sounds so wistful it could make you cry.

The song was used in a Suntory “Kyogetsu” commercial featuring Satomi Ishihara.

Journey of the Heartchūrippu

Tulip - Heart's Journey - 1972

It’s no exaggeration to call “Kokoro no Tabi” Tulip’s signature song; it was released as their third single.

Since Kazuo Zaitsu wrote it while thinking of the girlfriend he parted with when he moved to Tokyo, it’s truly heartrending.

The scenes come to mind and bring you to tears.

It was used in a commercial for the Toyota Carina.

The strong and fleeting onesCocco

Cocco – The Strong and Ephemeral Ones [Video Clip Short]

Cocco’s second major-label single, “Tuyoku Hakanai Monotachi,” was used as the song for Japan Airlines’ “JAL Hawaii Campaign.” Her singing is very powerful, yet feels as if it might break with the slightest touch—somehow tinged with melancholy and sadness.

Perhaps it’s because her humanity shines through so strongly.

Snow BlossomNakajima Mika

Mika Nakashima 'Yuki no Hana' Music Video

Although the lyrics overflow with love, it’s a song that makes tears well up just from hearing Mika Nakashima’s voice and the melody.

The dark tone of the music video further emphasizes the sense of loneliness.

It was used as the commercial song for Meiji Seika’s “boda” and “galbo,” in which Mika Nakashima herself appeared.