[Touches the heart] Bittersweet commercial songs: those famous tracks that make you tear up
When you’re watching TV or browsing the internet, you sometimes come across a commercial with a song that unexpectedly tugs at your heartstrings, don’t you? Along with memorable visuals, that bittersweet feeling and the intensity of the emotion resonate within you, and before you know it, you’re wondering, “What song is this?” In this article, we’ll introduce CM (commercial) songs that evoke a certain wistfulness.
You just might find that song you couldn’t stop thinking about back then.
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[Resonates with the Heart] Bittersweet Commercial Songs: Those Timeless Tracks That Bring You to Tears (11–20)
C.O.S.M.O.S. ~Cosmos (Autumn Cherry Blossoms)~Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
“C.O.S.M.O.S.
~Akizakura~” by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS was released in 2014 as an autumn song following “S.A.K.U.R.A.” and “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Its sound has a poignant atmosphere highlighted by strings, and even the gentle vocals evoke a sense of sorrow.
The lyrics also center on the sadness of autumn, vividly portraying the pain of not being able to reach a loved one with one’s feelings.
As a commercial song, it was used in ads for Samantha Thavasa and Huis Ten Bosch, giving the impression that the melancholy of autumn is accentuated through this track.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
Mika Nakashima’s “Yuki no Hana” was released in 2003 and is one of her signature songs, even inspiring the film “Yuki no Hana.” The song conveys bittersweet emotions associated with winter, and the piano-centered arrangement powerfully enhances that sense of poignancy.
As the track progresses, the sound grows more dynamic, evoking a deepening sadness and longing.
It has also been widely used in commercials—starting with Meiji Seika’s ads—and stands as a classic that vividly brings winter landscapes to mind.
A Naked Heartaimyon
Aimyong’s massive hit song “Naked Heart” is used in Suntory BOSS’s commercial, “Alien Jones: The Usual Vending Machine.” In it, the human played by Koji Yakusho mourns the removal of a vending machine he’s attached to.
The pairing of a rather surreal storyline with a moving ballad is intriguing.
As for the song itself, it’s a ballad about unrequited love, so I hope you’ll listen to it while reflecting on your own experiences.
Its heartrending lyrics are sure to tighten your chest.
KichijojiIkuta Rira
Kichijoji,” a song that poignantly portrays a bittersweet love, has been selected as the theme for the Sokenbicha “Move Me Forward” commercial.
Rira Ikuta’s beautiful vocals match the CM perfectly.
With delicate singing and melody, the song amplifies the heart-fluttering romance between Natsuki Deguchi and Ryota Aoyama shown in the commercial.
It captures the wistful feeling of recalling someone from the past while walking along roads you once took, in familiar places.
It’s a song that evokes nostalgia and makes anyone remember a love from those days.
Love Garmentimase
In the commercial “Koi-Goromo” for Kirin’s flagship product, Afternoon Tea, the collaboration with imase has been creating a buzz.
The CM features imase’s song “Koi-Goromo” as the BGM, and it also uses footage from the music video, whose visual beauty is captivating.
“Koi-Goromo,” which plays as the background music, was released in 2024 and portrays winter scenery and the bittersweet romances of youthful days.
It’s a heart-tightening, soul-warming track that perfectly suits the MV depicting students in a brass band.
PlatinumSano ibuki
This song perfectly blends a heart-stirring melody with deeply relatable lyrics.
Sano Ibuki’s gentle vocals capture listeners’ hearts and won’t let go.
Released in May 2022, it’s known as the tie-in song for Asahi Beer’s ASAHI WHITE BEER.
Through the commercial, it reached many ears, and surely found its way onto countless playlists.
The lyrics explore parting and the emotions that follow, portraying a resolve to move forward without dwelling on lost love or the past.
At life’s crossroads—something everyone experiences—listening to this track is sure to warm your heart.
[Heart-Touching] Bittersweet Commercial Songs: Those Classic Tracks That Bring You to Tears (21–30)
IMrs. GREEN APPLE
On a cold winter night illuminated by dazzling lights, there’s a warm-hearted commercial where Ren Meguro brings Kirin Afternoon Tea to Mrs.
GREEN APPLE as they perform on the street.
The song they’re playing in the video is “Watashi.” It’s a gentle, piano-driven ballad whose sound gradually expands as the track progresses, conveying a swell of emotion.
The lyrics depict a winter heartbreak and the accompanying bittersweet feelings, yet the warmth of the sound also evokes a forward-looking sentiment—cherishing the memories while moving on.