A roundup of JR Central commercials. The direction that conveys the allure of travel is captivating, and the music is also a highlight!
In addition to the Tokaido Shinkansen connecting Tokyo and Osaka, JR Central operates conventional railway lines in the Tokai region.
Many of you have probably used the Tokaido Shinkansen at some point, haven’t you?
JR Central’s commercials, many of which feature the Shinkansen, are actively broadcast.
In this article, we’ll introduce all of JR Central’s commercials that have aired so far.
The highlights are the commercials that capture the joy of travel, and we encourage you to pay attention to the music as you watch.
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JR Central TV commercials roundup: captivating direction that conveys the allure of travel, with music worth noting! (11–20)
JR Central: Off we go to Nara — “Yoshino” editionRyohei Suzuki
In the TV commercial for Izai-za Nara that aired in the fall of 2022, the Yoshino area in southern Nara Prefecture was featured.
Starting from Kinpusenji Temple, it showcases Yoshinoyama’s gourmet spots and even the Hanayagura Observatory, tightly packing in the charms of Yoshino.
Just as the narration says, “Nara is interesting because you go,” the footage is crafted to make you think, “I want to visit.”
JR Central: Off to Nara — Kasuga Taisha & Takabatake editionRyohei Suzuki
This commercial, aired in 2023 as part of the “Iza Iza Nara” travel campaign to Nara, highlights the appeal of the Takabatake area, where you can feel the rich nature and long history of Kasuga Taisha.
The CM features Ryohei Suzuki actually visiting Nara, and many viewers may have discovered charms of Nara they hadn’t known before after watching this footage.
JR Central ‘Hometown Express (Christmas Edition)’
When it comes to this exceptionally famous song, explaining it almost feels unnecessary.
Among the works of the genius musician Tatsuro Yamashita, this is one of the most popular, and as the nationally beloved Christmas song “Christmas Eve,” it first appeared on the 1983 album MELODIES.
It was released as a single the same year and became a long-running hit.
A few years later, in 1988, it was used in a JR Tokai commercial featuring Eri Fukatsu, who was 15 at the time, which propelled it to nationwide recognition.
The following year, in the 1989 CM series “Christmas Express,” Riho Makise, then 17, also appeared—something many will fondly remember.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this song transcended the bounds of a mere hit and helped establish in Japan the cultural notion of Christmas as a time for couples to spend together.
JR Central: Off to Nara, ‘Horyu-ji’ EditionRyohei Suzuki
This is a JR Tokai commercial that follows Ryohei Suzuki on a trip to Nara, conveying the joy of a journey that lets you feel history.
It emphasizes that it’s not enough to just know the information; actually seeing the buildings and Buddhist statues and sensing the history is important and makes it more compelling.
Through Suzuki’s gentle smiles during the trip and scenes of his interactions in each place, you can also feel how travel leads to relaxation.
Ryohei SuzukiJR Central: Off to Nara, 'Horyu-ji' Edition
This is a song specially written by Kaori Sawada for JR Central’s commercial “Iza Iza Nara.” Centered on piano with overlapping strings and vocals, the warm sound evokes the joy of travel as the calm atmosphere gradually turns lighter.
It has a jazz-inspired lightness while maintaining an overall gentle feel, which is soothing.
The commercial depicts Ryohei Suzuki’s journey to Nara, and its warmth is also expressed through autumnal Nara scenery and interactions with local people.
JR Central: ‘Yes, let’s go to Kyoto.’ 2018 Spring ‘Kanshuji Temple’
The TV commercials for the campaign “That’s right—let’s go to Kyoto,” which Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) has been running since 1993, vividly showcase tourist spots in and around Kyoto City.
The series has been so influential that many people say it inspired them to take a trip to Kyoto.
In 2018, it also made headlines when Kyozo Nagatsuka, who had served as the narrator for 25 years since the campaign began, stepped down and Tasuku Emoto was announced as his successor.
The version introduced here was released in the spring of 2018 and features Kanshuji Temple, founded in the year 900.
The CM uses the jazz standard “My Favorite Things” as its theme music.
The arrangement, notable for its mysterious harmonies in the intro, was created by musician kotringo, known for her work on the soundtrack of the film “In This Corner of the World.” The arrangement was reportedly crafted in response to a request to evoke the feeling of a celestial maiden.
JR Central commercial roundup: Captivating direction that conveys the charm of travel, with music worth noting! (21–30)
JR Central: Yes, let’s go to Kyoto. “Early Summer 2025 (Sugimoto Family Residence)” EditionNarration: Tasuku Emoto
This is a JR Central commercial that shows the beautiful scenery of Kyoto and heightens the desire to travel there.
The theme here is early summer in Kyoto, conveying the pleasant sensation of wind blowing through lush greenery, accompanied by Tasuku Emoto’s narration.
Further enhancing the gentle atmosphere of the visuals is “My Favorite Things,” well known from the musical The Sound of Music.
Though the tempo is calm, the performance has a lightness to it that evokes a sense of excitement for new experiences.