Classic enka songs featured in commercials, along with original CM tracks, introduced together!
Enka singers sometimes appear in commercials, performing classic enka hits, covers of popular kayōkyoku songs, and even original tracks created just for the ads.
The distinctive melodic phrasing of enka and its powerful vocals make a striking impact—you can’t help but notice when they come on TV or your smartphone!
In this article, we’ll showcase enka used in commercials, along with original CM songs by enka artists—all in one place.
We’ve gathered a wide range of CM songs from different eras, so if a tune you heard in a commercial caught your ear, try finding it here.
- Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing famous songs recently featured in commercials, too!
- A roundup of commercials featuring enka singers—from ones where you can hear their singing to fun and quirky spots.
- [From timeless classics to the latest hits] A roundup of catchy commercial songs
- Commercial songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke! Easy to sing and guaranteed to get the crowd going
- Heartwarming nostalgic commercial jingles: a special collection of timeless hits that take you back.
- [Heartwarming] Moving CM songs. Popular commercial songs
- Mobile phone commercial songs. CM songs for smartphones and mobile carriers.
- Catchy commercial jingles. A roundup of those songs grabbing attention in ads!
- Funny commercial song. Popular funny commercial songs.
- From Refreshing Tunes to Moving Songs: A Compilation of Detergent and Fabric Softener Commercial Tracks
- [Summer Tunes] A roundup of commercial songs featured in summer ads
- Spring Song Roundup of TV and Web Commercial Tie-ins
- [Must-See!] Popular songs from Amazon commercials: A history of CM tracks
Classic enka songs featured in commercials. We’re also introducing CM-original tracks! (1–10)
You like whisky, don’t you?Nakanaka Yoshie / Nakamura Kaho / Mochida Kaori
This is the song featured in Suntory’s commercial “Do You Like JAPANESE WHISKY?” that began airing in December 2024.
The song was originally released in 1991 by Sayuri Ishikawa under the name SAYURI and has been used in Suntory commercials for many years.
In this latest commercial, instead of the original, a cover version by Yoshie Nakano of EGO-WRAPPIN’, singer-songwriter Kaho Nakamura, and Kaori Mochida of Every Little Thing was used.
While Sayuri Ishikawa’s original is wonderful, this new rendition with its mature arrangement is also extremely captivating.
DreamYoshi Ikuzo
When it comes to commercial songs sung by Ikuzo Yoshi, this track is indispensable.
It was produced as a commercial song for Shin Nihon House Co., Ltd.
and released as a single in 2002.
Although it’s essentially a song made for a commercial themed around renovations to match the company’s line of business, the lyrics contain warm depictions that resonate with listeners.
Combined with its upbeat, refreshing melody, it’s a song that really lifts your spirits when you listen to it.
I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi
This song was first used in the 2007 iichiko commercial, the “Croatia” edition.
In that commercial, the original version by Billie BanBan was featured, but in 2009 Fuyumi Sakamoto covered the song, and her version also began airing in iichiko commercials.
Since then, the song has been loved across generations as one of Sakamoto’s signature pieces.
With lyrics that express straightforward feelings for a loved one and Sakamoto’s clear, pure voice that resonates directly with the heart, it truly deserves to be called a masterpiece.
Classic enka songs featured in commercials, plus original CM tracks! (11–20)
Unrequited love is fine.Sakamoto Fuyumi
This song was originally a track by Golden Bomber used in the 2013 commercial for Hita Zen-Koji, the “Waterfall” edition.
However, in the 2016 “Koji Project” commercial, a version sung by Fuyumi Sakamoto was featured.
It was also included as the B-side on her single “Onna wa Dakarete Ayu ni Naru,” released in 2016.
The lyrics portray a heartrending love, and the beautiful melody—woven with turns that evoke classic enka stylings—is especially captivating.
Take a moment to listen closely to Fuyumi Sakamoto’s clear, pure voice.
Original songHikawa Kiyoshi
Kiyoshi Hikawa, who is from Fukuoka Prefecture, appears in a commercial for Kanefuku, a local company, and performs an original song.
It’s a number delivered in a bright tone over a dazzling accompaniment—once you hear it, it leaves a strong impression and makes you want to hum along.
Although it’s a short piece you can only hear in the commercial, you can fully enjoy enka-style embellishments like kobushi and vibrato.
Original songHikawa Kiyoshi
Speaking of commercial songs performed by enka singers, we mustn’t forget the Hakutsuru Maru jingle sung by Kiyoshi Hikawa.
It fully incorporates the characteristic enka-style phrasing and perfectly matches the commercial’s image.
Take this opportunity to once again savor Hikawa’s superb vocal skill and his clear, beautiful voice.
I’ve always liked you.Sakamoto Fuyumi
The song that played in the iichiko Hita Zen Koji commercial “Hita/Mikumagawa” is a track by Fuyumi Sakamoto, released in 2010.
A cover by Billy BanBan was also used that same year in the iichiko commercial “Berries,” and Billy BanBan’s cover was released the following year, in 2011.
The lyrics, which express an unchanging love for a beloved person, resonate with Sakamoto’s dignified vocals, and listening to it might just bring tears to your eyes.