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!
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iichiko’s commercial song. Popular commercial songs (31–40)
To say goodbyebiriibanban
In the 1993 “Aegean Sea” edition, a day on the beautiful Aegean unfolds.
From the slightly pale morning sea, to the sun rising and the water gleaming a vivid blue, and finally the sea bathed in the colors of sunset, the scenes are so beautiful they soothe the heart.
Along the way, shots of someone reading a book and a large ship cruising across the Aegean convey an unhurried flow of time.
The commercial’s BGM is Billy BanBan’s signature song, released in 1972 and a major hit; with this song, they appeared in that year’s 23rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The younger brother, Susumu Sugawara, once had mixed feelings because the song was written by an external lyricist and composer, but as an unfading masterpiece, it has naturally been covered by many artists—as well as by the duo themselves—and continues to be sung across generations.
I’ve always liked you.biriibanban
This is a commercial released in 2010, featuring beautiful seascapes from Belize, a country in Central America.
The CM song is a cover of Fuyumi Sakamoto’s “Zutto Anata ga Suki Deshita” performed by Billy BanBan.
In iichiko commercials, it’s common for Billy BanBan and Fuyumi Sakamoto to cover each other’s songs, and spotting those differences can be part of the fun.
Both versions are wonderful—the passionate, emotionally charged rendition by Sakamoto and the wistful rendition by Billy BanBan.
For now, just like this.biriibanban
In this series of commercials, set against magnificent overseas nature and perfectly accompanied by Billy BanBan’s “Ima wa, Kono Mama,” here is the “Iceland” edition that aired in 2001.
Iceland is said to have so many famous waterfalls that the country is practically synonymous with them, and this ad also features a huge, overwhelming waterfall.
And at the end, iichiko appears being doused by the falls like a monk in training.
For now, just like this.biriibanban
This commercial is the “Saint Petersburg” version that aired in 2004.
In the CM, you see the majestic canals from a perspective that makes it feel as if you’re riding on a boat.
The drawbridges that open, illuminated at night, are beautiful as well.
The background music, “Ima wa, Kono Mama” (For Now, Just Like This), was used in iichiko commercials for a long stretch from 2001 to 2005.
Alongside songs like “Toki wa Ima, Kimi no Naka” (The Time Is Now, Within You) and “Oso Sugita Kisetsu” (A Season Too Late), many people probably strongly associate this track with iichiko.
The lyrics by Mari Hayama take a woman’s perspective on parting, making it a deeply moving song.
For now, just like this.biriibanban
This is the “Talkeetna, Alaska” segment that aired in 2003.
The commercial song is Billy BanBan’s “Ima wa, Kono Mama.” It shows a man energetically pedaling a bicycle, with nature unfolding around him as he rides.
You can even see quintessentially Alaskan wildlife like moose and beavers.
As is customary for this series, iichiko makes a subtle appearance at the end—but this time it’s strapped to the bike’s cargo rack!
The Iichiko commercial songs. Popular TV commercial songs (41–50)
Desert Rosebiriibanban
This is the Oasis edition that aired in 1999.
With its expansive desert and camels, it perfectly matches the mellow background music.
For a moment you can’t tell what the commercial is for, but you can’t help getting absorbed in the beautiful, nature-rich imagery.
The CM song is Billy BanBan’s “Sabaku no Bara” (Desert Rose), which fits the visuals perfectly.
In the end, when the iichiko bottle tumbles down the sand dune, you go, “Ah, it’s an iichiko commercial!”
Desert Rosebiriibanban
This is the “Namaqualand” edition that aired in 2000.
When you think of Africa, you might picture a blazing sun and wilderness, but Namaqualand is famous for its breathtaking 360-degree vistas of flower fields.
It’s even nicknamed the Miracle Garden and the Garden of the Gods.
At the end, an iichiko bottle quietly appears among the riot of blossoms—a surreal touch.
The background music, Desert Rose, is a perfect choice for this commercial.
It’s a piano-led ballad, with refined strings that resonate without being overbearing, adding a lovely accent, and the beautiful sibling harmonies really stand out.