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!
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JR Central commercial songs: Heartfelt historic CM tracks that make you want to travel (11–20)
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
JR Central commercial songs: Heart-touching classic CM tunes that make you want to travel (21–30)
My Favorite (My Favorite Things)toukyou shiokouji
“My Favorite Things,” a song from the musical The Sound of Music, is not only featured in the show but also known as a jazz standard.
In this JR Central “Yes, let’s go to Kyoto” commercial, you can enjoy an arrangement by Tokyo Shiokouji.
It perfectly captures the atmosphere of a Kyoto morning.