Moving songs featured in commercials: timeless masterpieces that move the heart

life×life×lifeSukima Suichi

(Excerpt from a commercial) Sukima Switch / “life×life×life” - ABC-MART “Hawkins Walking Shoes” commercial song

“life×life×life” by Sukima Switch, the two-member music duo consisting of Takuya Ohashi and Shintaro Tokita, is a much-talked-about masterpiece that was also featured as the TV commercial song for ABC-Mart’s Hawkins walking shoes.

It stands as the strongest track in Sukima Switch’s history, surpassing even “Zenryoku Shonen.”

threadYoshioka Kiyoe

Ikimono-gakari’s Kiyoe Yoshioka officially launches full-scale solo activities, covering the classic song “Ito” in a new Toyota Home commercial featuring Mayu Matsuoka and Yō Yoshida.

The song used for the Toyota Home TV commercial is a cover of Miyuki Nakajima’s classic “Ito” performed by Ikimonogakari’s vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka.

The commercial, starring Mayu Matsuoka, is a realistic, drama-style piece that supports students in the midst of job hunting.

Combined with Yoshioka’s vocals, it makes for a moving CM.

I feel like cryingŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – To the Point of Wanting to Cry (Official Music Video)

Sakurako Ohara’s “Nakitai Kurai” is causing a sensation after being featured as the TV commercial song for Shiseido’s SEA BREEZE.

They say heaven doesn’t grant two gifts, but Sakurako Ohara is a miraculous female singer blessed with three: singing, guitar, and an adorable face.

Listening to her makes you fall for Sakurako-chan so much you feel like crying yourself.

Why is it that love is like this?Uno Misako (AAA)

Misako Uno (AAA) / “Why Does Love Feel Like This” Music Video (short ver.)

This is Misako Uno from AAA’s solo debut single! It’s also well-known from the commercial as the winter campaign song for Lagunasia.

It’s a love song packed to the brim with the pain of heartbreak and unrequited love—one that will bring you to tears.

Making a beauty like her cry—what a bad guy, right?

Forget-me-notYuka

Yuka – Forget-me-not (Official Music Video)

A heartwarming ballad themed around unconditional love and memory.

Yuka’s clear, expansive vocals gently embrace feelings of gratitude toward someone special.

It is included on the digital EP “Sunshade,” scheduled for release in September 2024, and was also used as the commercial song for Motoyama Seisakusho.

The simple, piano-centered arrangement highlights the deep meaning of the lyrics.

The music video, which incorporates home videos from childhood, also drew attention.

When you want to reaffirm your bond with someone important, this song is sure to warm your heart.

Yo, you there, kid.Takehara Pisutoru

Takahara Pistol / Hey, You Young Folks (Short Ver.)

“Hey, You Young Folks Over There,” the song that Takahashi Pistols performed on the NHK New Year’s Eve Song Festival and which became an extraordinary hit.

This life-affirming anthem aimed at young people is uplifting to hear.

If you’re worn out by life, please give it a listen.

It’s also a much-talked-about track used in the commercial for Sumitomo Life’s new product “1UP.”

Eternal BlueHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – Eternal Blue (Official Music Video)

This is a song that lets you experience, through music, the way each fleeting moment of youth presses on your heart.

In this track from Hitsujibungaku, driving guitar sounds fuse with Moeka Shiozuka’s expressive vocals to captivate listeners.

It’s a perfect fit for the “Docomo Seishun-wari iPhone 14” commercial, further highlighting its imagery.

Released in December 2023, the piece weaves in the feelings of growing up with both anxiety and anticipation, reminding listeners of their own youth and giving them the courage to take a step toward the future.