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 CM roundup: captivating presentations that convey the allure of travel, with music worth noting! (1–10)
JR Central 2003 tie-up songNEW!
When you think of JR Central and the Tokaido Shinkansen, isn’t this the song that comes to mind for many people? It was created as a campaign song for JR Central and became a commercial jingle, and until 2023 it was also a familiar onboard chime on the Shinkansen.
The lyrics, which depict setting out on a journey to see someone important and facing oneself, along with the fresh, expansive melody line, make it a truly captivating song!
JR Central Smart EX “It’s okay even for groups” versionNEW!
This is a promotional commercial for Smart EX, which makes it easy to reserve Shinkansen seats using a smartphone.
It’s striking how effortlessly you can book on your phone while others wait in a long line at the ticket machines.
The background music features “Metro City,” a collaboration by imase and natori, both active as singer-songwriters.
Its brisk rhythm and the duo’s beautiful vocals create a refreshing and pleasant listening experience.
JR Central “Meeting was something special.” VersionNEW!Eri Fukatsu
When you think of JR Central and Eri Fukatsu, the 1988 Hometown Express commercial comes to mind.
In this commercial, Fukatsu makes her first appearance in a JR Central ad in a long time.
In addition to emphasizing the importance of meeting someone dear to you, the Shinkansen is memorably portrayed as the means to go see them.
The background music in the commercial is “Nozomi,” a song released by odol in 2022.
Its lyrics, which depict meeting a loved one who lives far away, are warm, and together with the gentle vocals, they resonate deeply in the heart.
JR Central Smart EX “Simple! Reservation Changes” VersionNEW!Yuki Katayama
Yuki Katayama, who has a reservation for the Shinkansen, is waiting in line at a popular shop before boarding.
However, the line isn’t moving much, and it looks like she won’t make it in time for her reserved train.
She takes out her smartphone and quickly changes her reservation using Smart EX.
In the latter half of the commercial, it’s also shown that you can quickly change reservations with the EX Travel Pack, highlighting how convenient it is to use the Shinkansen with Smart EX.
JR Central: Yes, Let’s Go to Kyoto — “Around Hongwanji” EditionNEW!
When it comes to the JR Central travel campaign “Yes, let’s go to Kyoto,” the CM song is, of course, “My Favorite Things” from the musical The Sound of Music, also known as a jazz standard.
Each commercial features a different version, and in the “Around Honganji” edition, a cover by jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara is used.
It begins with a flowing, mysterious atmosphere, then in the latter half unfolds into a crisp, buoyant, and delightfully catchy melody.
You can’t help but be captivated by the ever-changing melodic lines.
JR Central ‘Coloring with Love’ VersionYu Miyazaki
This is a JR Central commercial filled with the desire to wonderfully support people’s journeys.
The footage shows people absorbed in various passions they love, and depicts JR Central supporting their travels.
Everyone wears such lovely smiles, and the excitement of the trip really comes through.
For the background music, Hump Back contributed a newly written song specifically for this commercial.
Although details hadn’t been announced at the time of the broadcast, it’s extremely catchy and pleasant to listen to—many viewers likely felt eager to hear the full track as soon as possible.
JR Central Hometown Express “X’mas” VersionEri Fukatsu
Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” is a song released in 1983 that also drew attention when it was used as the CM song for JR Tokai’s winter-defining X’mas Express campaign.
While the lyrics convey a sense of loneliness, the sound carries a certain festive air that leaves a strong impression.
Elements like the inclusion of Pachelbel’s Canon in the interlude evoke images of Christmas joy and warmth in various ways.
Eri Fukatsu appears in the commercial, and together with the comical entrance of the person being awaited, it portrays the happiness of a couple.
