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: Timeless CM tracks that make you want to travel (1–10)
AMBITIOUS JAPAN！NEW!TOKIO
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!
Metro CityNEW!imase & natori
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.
hopeNEW!odol
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.
Love LaterNEW!sumika
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.
Enchanted LipsNEW!Janku Fujiyama
The commercial for Chao Ontake Snow Resort, a ski area once operated by JR Central, featured Junk Fujiyama’s “Miwaku no Kuchibiru” (“Enchanted Lips”).
The song is one of the tracks included on the 2013 single “Shedar.” Its refreshing city-pop-style melody is captivating, while the lyrics evoke a sense of mature romance.
It’s a song you can savor by listening closely, and thanks to its flowing melody, it also feels great to belt out.
My Favorite ThingsNEW!Uehara Hiromi
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.
Hump Back
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.
Let’s go see (someone).UA
People boarding the Shinkansen to head to all kinds of event venues—music concerts, comedy shows, baseball games—are shown alongside the charged atmosphere at those venues.
The commercial conveys the message that they’re not just going to a venue or a gathering; they’re going to meet someone.
It’s a lovely expression that makes you feel as if the distance between you and your favorite performer has suddenly grown much smaller.
The background music is an instrumental brass arrangement of UA’s “Ai ni Ikou” (Let’s Go Meet).
Its flowing melody really sticks in your head after just one listen.
Christmas EveNEW!Yamashita Tatsuro
This is the 1990 version of the classic X’mas EXPRESS commercial series.
Rina Takahashi is dejected because she can’t reach her partner on Christmas, but when she returns home she finds a note on the front door with the meeting place written on it.
The image of the woman running with a smile to reunite with her partner was memorable.
The commercial featured Tatsuro Yamashita’s Christmas Eve, which has been used throughout the series.
In contrast to the content of the ad, the lyrics poignantly depict spending Christmas alone.
My Favorite ThingsRichard Rodgers
This is a JR Central commercial that showcases Kyoto’s beautiful scenery and heightens the excitement of a trip to Kyoto.
The theme here is early summer in Kyoto, conveying the pleasant feeling of wind sweeping 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.
The tempo is calm yet the performance feels light, evoking a sense of excitement for new experiences.
