RAG MusicCM
Lovely commercial jingle

The Iichiko commercial song. A popular jingle.

Speaking of the TV commercials for Iichiko, the barley shochu from Oita Prefecture, they’ve been on the air for many years.

The cool, subdued narration set against footage from around the world has earned a devoted following.

The music used in Iichiko’s commercials has drawn attention alongside the visuals as well, featuring a variety of songs—primarily by Billy BanBan and Fuyumi Sakamoto, among others.

In this article, we’ll introduce all the songs that have been featured in Iichiko’s commercials so far!

They’re all tracks that really tug at the heartstrings and invite a touch of nostalgia, so take this opportunity to give them another listen!

Iichiko’s commercial songs: popular CM tracks (1–10)

SANWA SHURUI iichiko “New Zealand” edition

Beyond sorrowAimer

Aimer “Beyond the Sorrow” Studio Live for the 9th Anniversary
Beyond sorrowAimer
iichiko NEO 2020 New Zealand Edition

A commercial filmed in New Zealand.

It opens with an irresistibly adorable shot of four alpacas.

Just seeing them lined up makes for a very catchy image.

Then the screen fills with the vibrant flowers of the four seasons and the fresh, mystical beauty of nature.

As this is an updated new product, the music has also changed, and the video takes a slightly different approach from before, giving it a botanical feel.

The BGM features Aimer’s “Beyond the Sorrow.” It’s a beautiful piano ballad that lets you savor Aimer’s clear vocals, with a memorable melody that conveys both warmth and poignancy.

Sanwa Shurui iichiko “Wales” Version

IT’S NICE TO BE WITH YOUSugawara Susumu

iichiko TV commercial 1992 Wales edition

The commercial titled “Wales,” aired in 1992, features a man playing rugby on the Welsh landscape in the United Kingdom.

The camera follows the rugby ball as it soars through the air and bounces along the ground, creating footage that feels just like an actual rugby match.

The CM’s background music is a solo piece by Susumu Sugawara, the vocalist of Billy BanBan.

His gentle voice blends beautifully with the calm, reflective atmosphere.

SANWA SHURUI iichiko Hita Zen-Koji “Hita, Mikuma River” Version

I’ve always liked you.Sakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto – I've Always Loved You
I’ve always liked you.Sakamoto Fuyumi
iichiko Hita Zen-Koji TV commercial 2010 Mikuma River version

In the 2010 TV commercial for iichiko Hita Zen-Koji, actor Koji Matoba appeared.

The theme was likely a period-drama-style world, with Matoba dressed in traditional attire and riding a ferryboat.

Since the commercial has almost no dialogue, the background music—Fuyumi Sakamoto’s “Zutto Anata ga Suki Deshita”—really stands out.

If you like songs with a mature atmosphere, be sure to check it out.

iichiko’s commercial songs: Popular commercial songs (11–20)

Sanwa Shurui iichiko “2016 Koji Project” Edition

Unrequited love is fine.Sakamoto Fuyumi

iichiko commercial Golden Bomber 2016 Koji Project version

In the 2016 Koji Project installment, the concept differs from the usual series, featuring members of the popular band Golden Bomber—beloved by younger generations—appearing in period-drama-style costumes.

The music is “Kataomoi de Ii,” sung by Fuyumi Sakamoto.

Originally a Golden Bomber song, it has been elevated into something even more beautiful through Sakamoto’s cover.

The result is surreal: a fusion of refined music and lavish visuals—including the members’ white makeup—creating a mysterious film that stands apart from the usual entries in this series.

Sanwa Shurui iichiko “2014 Koji Project” Edition

Unrequited love is fine.Gōruden Bonbā

Golden Bomber “Unrequited Love Is Fine” Short MV
Unrequited love is fine.Gōruden Bonbā
iichiko TV Commercial 2014: Koji Project Edition

In the “Koji Project” ad aired in 2014, the members of Golden Bomber appear.

Dressed in traditional Japanese attire, they step into view one by one as the camera moves.

It’s a refreshing change from their usual boisterous vibe, with each member wearing a serious expression.

At the end, Sho Kiryuin smiles, and the products born from the Koji Project are revealed.

The song playing in the commercial, “Kataomoi de Ii” (Unrequited Love Is Fine), was released as the B-side to their 15th single, “Rola no Kizudarake” (Rola Covered in Scars).

The lyrics portray a slightly vulnerable male figure—a common theme in Golden Bomber’s lyrical world—which many listeners may find relatable.

Sanwa Shurui iichiko “Danube” Version

The time is now, within you.Sugawara Susumu

iichiko TV Commercial 1987 Danube Edition

Speaking of iichiko commercials, the music of Billy BanBan and Susumu Sugawara is inseparable from them, isn’t it? In fact, they weren’t involved from the very beginning—the first time their music was used in a commercial was the “Danube” version released in 1987.

Set in the Danube Delta, known as the largest delta in Europe, the first half unfolds at a relaxed pace, showing what appears to be a point-of-view shot of scenery as if seen from a ship or boat, which makes it easy to immerse yourself in the world of the commercial.

The narration says, “A touch of being moderately old-fashioned is nice, isn’t it?” but this visual sensibility hasn’t faded even today.

Sanwa Shurui iichiko ‘Downtown Napoleon’ dictionary: “Aroma Revolution” edition

FantasticoZiv Moran

“Downtown Napoleon’s Dictionary: The Fragrance Revolution”

Focusing on iichiko’s catchphrase, “The Napoleon of Downtown,” this commercial features Napoleon introducing a way to enjoy it even more deliciously.

He gently suggests that before drinking iichiko, close your eyes and slowly savor the aroma to bring out a richer taste.

The background music, which evokes the era when such a Napoleon might have lived, is Ziv Moran’s “Fantastico.” With its strongly acoustic feel, the lightness of the sound conveys a hint of folk-music atmosphere, further highlighting the sense of fun.