RAG MusicJazz
Lovely jazz

Jazz commercial songs. Popular commercial songs.

Jazz has a stylish, sophisticated image, and it’s easy on the ears—perfect as background music, right?

You often hear it as BGM in cafes and restaurants, where it helps create a calm, relaxed atmosphere.

And those famous jazz tunes are huge hits in commercials, too!

From global classics known as jazz standards to jazz arrangements of pop songs and anime themes, a wide variety of jazz numbers have been used in commercials over the years.

In this article, we’ll introduce a whole range of jazz featured in commercials all in one go!

Why not take this as a chance to get interested in jazz?

Jazz commercial songs. Popular commercial songs (11–20)

Que Sera, SeraDoris Day

KIRIN Tanrei Green Label Commercial ①

This song has been used in numerous commercials, including Kirin Beer’s Tanrei Green Label.

Written for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 film The Man Who Knew Too Much, it features lyrics by Ray Evans and music by Jay Livingston.

“Que será, será,” which means “whatever will be, will be” in Spanish and has become a familiar phrase in Japanese as well, is used within a suspense film in a way that distinctly reflects Hitchcock’s style.

What’s New?Dara Sedaka

[Commercial 1996] Panasonic DVD Hank Jones 60 seconds

In 1996, when DVDs first appeared, a Panasonic commercial featured Hank Jones performing “What’s New?” composed by Bob Haggart.

The commercial also included Dara Sedaka, who showcased her beautiful singing voice.

This song has been covered by numerous musicians over the years, with well-known versions by Linda Ronstadt, Helen Merrill, and John Coltrane.

Gently Singing ~Killing Me Softly with His Song~Watanabe Misato

Nice commercial: Nescafé Excella 90th Anniversary

The Nescafé Excella commercial that aired in 2003 features a cover of “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” originally sung by Lori Lieberman in 1971.

Known in Japan by the title “Yasashiku Utatte,” the version used in this commercial is Misato Watanabe’s 2002 cover.

It’s an excellent rendition that incorporates a contemporary sound while faithfully preserving the mellow, elegant atmosphere of the original.

Feel The BernMike Casey

Mike Casey – Feel The Bern (Alt Take) [Official Video]
Feel The BernMike Casey

The commercial for the Ariya electric vehicle, titled “Unforgettable Pleasure,” alternates between scenes of a man listening to sophisticated jazz and the Ariya in motion.

The visuals evoke powerful driving performance that suggests you can truly enjoy the drive, even in an EV—surely piquing many viewers’ interest.

The jazz playing in the background is by American musician Mike Casey, a next-generation jazz saxophonist gaining attention.

Its captivating atmosphere—keeping you on edge about what will happen next—combined with the bold tone of the saxophone, is especially appealing.

The SidewinderLee Morgan

Lee Morgan’s “The Sidewinder,” by the American jazz trumpeter, was once used in a Civic sedan commercial.

Its gradual development from a minimal melody is distinctive and keeps you excited to hear what comes next.

The commercial featured an arranged version, highlighted by a striking, sharp violin tone.

Moanin′Art Blakey

Many of you might recognize the melody of this song, which was featured in a 1990 Mitsubishi Lancer commercial.

The piece is “Moanin’,” released in 1958 by American jazz drummer Art Blakey.

Its striking theme carries a somewhat eerie atmosphere.

Japanese artists such as The Peanuts and TRI4TH have also covered it.

Jazz commercial songs. Popular commercial songs (21–30)

Life is full of dreams.Shiina Ringo

This is a song that Ringo Sheena originally wrote for Mitsuki Takahata to sing in a Japan Post Insurance commercial, which Sheena later covered herself.

It’s a jazz-tinged track that perfectly suits her distinctive voice.

While it carries a cabaret-like atmosphere, it also feels like it was crafted with a musical in mind.

It’s a slightly mature-scented number that makes you want to start dancing just by listening.