JR Central’s commercial songs: timeless CM tunes that make you want to travel and resonate with the heart
Have you ever found yourself captivated by a JR Central (JR Tokai) commercial that happened to come on TV or the internet? Along with the travel-inspiring visuals, the music that plays in those ads tends to leave a lasting impression.
Many of you have probably wondered, “What’s the song used in that commercial?” and searched for it.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of songs featured in JR Central’s commercials.
From tracks that evoke a wave of nostalgia to tunes that lead to new discoveries, be sure to check them out!
- A roundup of JR Central commercials. The direction that conveys the allure of travel is captivating, and the music is also a highlight!
- Honda commercial songs: introducing memorable past CM tracks and the latest buzzworthy tunes
- Whose Song Is It? ANA’s Popular Commercial Track. A History of CM Songs [2026]
- [Toyota Commercial] Popular CM Songs. Historical CM Songs [2026]
- Summary of Nissan commercial songs: a collection of famous tracks from Japan and abroad, plus CM-original songs
- JR East commercial. A compilation of commercials showcasing beautiful scenery.
- Heartwarming nostalgic commercial jingles: a special collection of timeless hits that take you back.
- Songs from Kampo Seimei’s commercials: a collection of familiar classics
- [Heartwarming] Moving CM songs. Popular commercial songs
- All-Time Nescafé Popular Commercials and Jingles Roundup
- [From timeless classics to the latest hits] A roundup of catchy commercial songs
- Whose Song Is It? Popular JRA Commercial Track: Historic Horse Racing CM Songs [2026]
- [From TDR to films and games] A compilation of songs used in Disney commercials
JR Central commercial songs: Heartfelt historic CM tracks that make you want to travel (11–20)
Original songsawada kaori
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.
Let’s go see (someone).Hanaregumi
UA’s 2023 track “Aini Ikou,” created for JR Central’s “Let’s Go See Them” campaign.
In JR Central’s commercial “Let’s Go—Someone’s Waiting,” starring Yuriko Yoshitaka, a cover version of the song by Hanaregumi is featured.
The arrangement is handled by mabanua, a prolific producer of numerous songs.
The lyrics, packed with the bubbly excitement of going to meet someone you want to see, make it a perfect travel companion! You can also catch a brief moment of Yuriko Yoshitaka’s singing in the commercial—don’t miss it.
Original songRyofu Karuma
As its name suggests, JR Central has its headquarters in Aichi Prefecture.
In the “Going to Meet in Real Life” version, an original track by rapper Ryofu Karma—who is also based in Aichi—has been used.
The rap’s lyrics center on the theme of going to meet someone you want to see, and, like other JR Central commercials, it’s crafted to warm your heart as it brings a special person to mind.
My Favorite ThingsJohn Coltrane
It was used as the song for JR Central’s “Yes, let’s go to Kyoto” commercials.
This piece originally appeared in the musical The Sound of Music.
Composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, it was later covered by many jazz musicians, including John Coltrane, and is known as a jazz standard.
SOMEDAYSano Motoharu
Released in 1981, the song did not become a major hit as a single, but the following year the album of the same name became a hit, and it went on to become one of Motoharu Sano’s signature songs.
In 1990, it was used as the commercial song for JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express.”
My Favorite (My Favorite Things)SINSKE
This is JR Central’s early-summer 2019 commercial, “Moss and Fresh Greenery,” famous for the catchphrase, “Yes, let’s go to Kyoto.” Summers in Kyoto are hot—indeed, very humid—but there are plenty of places where you can feel coolness.
Giō-ji Temple in Sagano, commonly known as the “Moss Temple,” is surely one of them.
SINSKE’s marimba performance of “My Favorite Things” also adds a touch of coolness.
My Favorite ThingsKotoringo
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.
Don’t Stop Me NowQueen
This is a commercial announcing that the N700S will debut as a Tokaido Shinkansen train starting in July 2020.
It features dynamic footage of the N700S racing swiftly along the tracks—imagery that should be especially exciting for Shinkansen enthusiasts.
The background music is Queen’s classic 1978 hit “Don’t Stop Me Now,” an upbeat track that leaves listeners feeling refreshed.
GospelJay Putty
This is a series of JR Central commercials announcing things like timetable changes and the addition of more business booths.
The commercials feature women enjoying themselves at an amusement park, a man returning home from a business trip, and businesspeople working in business booths.
The music used is “Gospel,” a track from composer Jay Putty’s 2021 album Underneath the Holly Tree.
White HorizonMagnus Ringblom
Maybe it’s the stylish look of the footage, but it really makes me want to visit Nara.
This is JR Central’s commercial “U mashi Uruwashi Nara,” the Adult Trip to Nara edition.
The CM’s intriguingly textured music is “White Horizon” by musician Magnus Ringblom.
Its floating, airy sound matches the mood of the visuals perfectly.
It has a charm that makes you feel like you could listen to it forever.
