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 commercial songs (11–20)

Sanwa Shurui iichiko Story Ep. 2: 'Wildflowers Head to the Sea'

surely unchanging colorSasanomarii

Sasanomaly “Surely Unchanging Colors” MV
surely unchanging colorSasanomarii
iichiko story ep.2: Wildflowers Go to the Sea

Here is the second installment in the commercial series that brings to life iichiko’s station posters, of which more than 500 have been created to date.

This spot, which depicts a parent–child story, also drew attention for having a script written by Masayuki Kusumi, known for Kodoku no Gurume (The Solitary Gourmet).

The BGM is Kito Kawaranai Iro by Sasanomaly, a familiar presence in this series of commercials.

Its lyrics, which convey a warmth and gentleness like a straightforward, earnest love, are especially appealing.

Sanwa Shurui iichiko Story Ep.1 “The Scenery When I’m With You”

Original songHIDEYA KOJIMA

iichiko story ep.1 “The Scenery With You” (15 seconds)

Here is the first installment in the commercial series that visualizes the world of Iichiko’s station posters: the “Scenery With You” episode.

It’s said to depict meeting, parting, and reuniting with someone important, and it’s crafted in a way that really tugs at your heart.

It feels like a fully fledged theatrical anime, making it incredibly compelling to watch.

The beautiful piano melody in the background is by Hideya Kojima.

iichiko by Sanwa Shurui: “Depth of Transparency” (commercial/spot)

Flor de LuaAmalia Rodrigues

iichiko TV commercial 1986: Depth of Transparency

This is the first installment of the memorable iichiko commercial series, aired in 1986.

It doesn’t feature the now-familiar, beautifully shot overseas location footage, and the narration isn’t by Hidenari Kawakita—the art director who created the iichiko commercials—but by a professional voice actor, giving it a different atmosphere from today’s spots.

The BGM, “Flor de Lua,” is sung by Amália Rodrigues, the Portuguese diva who rose to fame as the Queen of Fado.

She shone brightest from the 1940s to the 1970s, the golden age of fado, and even after her passing continues to influence many singers, including Mariza.

Sanwa Shurui NEO Sisters’ Daily Life: “What’s Your Favorite Ratio?”, “So Refreshing!”, and “The Definition of Cute”

ScherzettoZiv Moran

NEO Sisters’ Everyday Life: What’s Your Favorite Ratio? (episode)

This is a commercial for iichiko NEO, a product sold for making highballs.

Titled “The Daily Life of the NEO Sisters” after the product name, the series of commercials showcases conversations between two sisters.

The characters are an older sister who is cautious and composed, and a younger sister who is energetic and full of drive.

Their exchanges feel so pleasant that you could watch them endlessly.

The song used in this commercial is a calm, exotically flavored piece by Jib Moran, included on the 2020 album Piazza Italia.

Sanwa Shurui iichiko Hita All-Koji “Hita/Taiō Gold Mine” Version

Love is like a prayer.Sakamoto Fuyumi

iichiko Hita Zen-Koji 2012 Hita Taio Gold Mine Edition

The 2012 “Hita/Taio Gold Mine” commercial features Koji Matoba dressed as a samurai.

He climbs through a rocky area meant to evoke the inside of a gold mine.

At the top of the rocks, he finds the brilliantly shining iichiko Hita Zenkoji.

The direction makes it feel as if he has discovered gold inside the Taio Gold Mine.

The background music, “Ai wa Inori no You da ne” (“Love Is Like a Prayer”), is a track from the 2012 album Ai Shiteru… LOVE SONGS III.

The lyrics are by the venerable Goro Matsui, and the composition is by Susumu Sugawara of Billy BanBan.

A Billy BanBan version of the song is also used in an iichiko commercial, so it’s fun to compare the two.

Sanwa Shurui iichiko story ep.3: “The Shape and Whereabouts of Three Sounds”

EncoreSasanomarii

Sasanomaly (Sasanomarii) “Encore” MV
EncoreSasanomarii
iichiko story ep.3 “The Shapes and Whereabouts of Three Sounds” (15 seconds)

This commercial is the third installment in a series that visualizes the iichiko posters that have been displayed in stations since 1984.

This time, it’s a piece depicting the bond between band members, and for anyone who’s been in a band, it’s the kind of story that really stirs the heart.

The background music is “Encore,” written specifically for this commercial by Sasanomaly.

Many people are sure to be moved by its dream-themed lyrics!

Iichiko’s commercial songs: Popular commercial songs (21–30)

SANWA SHURUI iichiko “Family” Version

A Tale of Twobiriibanban

[Iichiko New CM Song] Billy BanBan “Futari Monogatari” – Streaming starts 5/26!!
A Tale of Twobiriibanban
iichiko 2021 Family Edition

The 2021 “Family” version features many cows and people dressed as cowboys.

It shows cowboys on horseback and dogs herding cows, including both adults and calves.

The theme of this commercial is “We are family.” The narration also conveys the idea that having family allows us to overcome any difficulty.

The background music, “Futari Monogatari,” is Billy BanBan’s first new song in five years since 2016.

In this piece as well, Susumu Sugawara’s crystal-clear voice stands out; his distinctive vocals are soothing yet tinged with shadow and sensuality.

If you’re looking for something healing, be sure to check it out.