JR commercial roundup. A comprehensive look at commercials where you can see the trains!
You’ve probably often seen JR commercials—JR has a rail network spanning all across Japan—while watching TV or browsing video sites.
They’re full of things that make you want to go out, like announcements about great deals and travel campaigns you can enjoy using JR lines.
What’s more, JR commercials feature all kinds of trains, from the Shinkansen to popular limited express trains, so they’re fun to watch for the visuals alone.
We’ll be introducing JR commercials both old and new, so 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!
- JR East commercial. A compilation of commercials showcasing beautiful scenery.
- JTB commercial. A collection of commercials that make you want to go on a trip.
- JR commercial roundup. A comprehensive look at commercials where you can see the trains!
- [J:COM Commercials] Popular and All-Time Commercials Summary [2026]
- JR’s CM song roundup, including SKISKI and more
- [Famous] Compilation of Local Commercials from Across Japan
- [JAL] A collection of Japan Airlines commercials: ads introducing fun journeys in the sky
- A roundup of commercials featuring enka singers—from ones where you can hear their singing to fun and quirky spots.
- JRA commercial roundup. Cool commercials from the Japan Racing Association featuring racehorses.
- A commercial featuring Yuriko Yoshitaka. From long-running, classic spots she’s appeared in to the latest ads.
- Compilation of commercials featuring Kanjani Eight. Also introducing ads in which individual members appear.
- [February 2026] A comprehensive look at the latest commercials! A roundup of must-see ads
JR commercial roundup: A comprehensive look at train-featured commercials (1–10)
JR East ‘JR SKISKI’ 1999
Even now, past the 2020s, the brilliance of the tagline “Snow for love, white for romance” never ceases to amaze.
JR East’s “JR SKISKI” ski-travel campaign, launched in 1991, featured many hit songs in its commercials, and the one introduced here is from 1998, set to GLAY’s massive hit “Winter, again.” It’s one of the quintessential winter songs of the 1990s and the band’s best-selling single.
A song that could only come from Hokkaido-born GLAY, it also showcases the distinctive lyrics of TAKURO, the band’s guitarist and primary songwriter.
Beyond TERU’s soulful vocals and TAKURO’s melodious lead guitar, HISASHI’s exquisite phrasing using the Talbo instrument manufactured by Tokai Gakki, JIRO’s bass lines that generate the track’s core groove, and the arrangement by famed producer Masahide Sakuma all coalesce into a flawless classic born from GLAY’s rock-solid band ensemble.
JR Central: Supporting ‘Let’s Go Meet.’ “It’s not just that we’re gathering.” (version)
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.
JR East TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY Mysterious Gateway “DNA” EditionShinichi Tsutsumi, Ami Toma
The place where Takanawa Gateway City is being built is introduced as the site where, over 150 years ago, Japan’s first railway ran over the sea, and later it was used as a rail yard.
This intriguing history is presented by Shinichi Tsutsumi, with Ami Touma serving as the interviewer.
After explaining the history, Tsutsumi adds a humorous line: “As I was letting my thoughts wander through this history, before I knew it, I’d turned into a train.” Hearing this, Touma also “turns into a train,” saying “choo-choo,” resulting in a commercial with a laid-back, humorous vibe.
JR commercial roundup. A comprehensive showcase of train-featured commercials (11–20)
JR East ‘Enjoy! SixTONES, Enjoy! Shinkansen.’ versionSixTONES
This commercial showcases how JR East’s Tohoku Shinkansen supports enjoyable journeys, as portrayed through SixTONES.
The direction is striking, with a scene moving from underground to above ground where the light comes into view, positively expressing the moment of setting off on a trip.
The sight of the Shinkansen racing through vast landscapes is another highlight, conveying the excitement of departing for new places.
Further heightening that sense of anticipation is SixTONES’ song “Shine with U.” Its brilliant sound and lively vocals leave a strong impression, evoking expansive scenery and a forward-looking feeling.
JR East: “Only this winter is blue.” Preparation chapterJuri Uesaka
This is JR East’s winter staple: the JR SKISKI commercial.
For the 2025–2026 season, Juri Uesaka—who will appear in the morning drama “Kaze, Kaoru,” airing from 2026—has been cast as the heroine.
It portrays the lively excitement of university students planning a ski trip.
The man Uesaka’s character has feelings for usually doesn’t join ski trips, but this time he decides to go, saying it’s “because it’s the last time,” and the way Uesaka’s expression softens when she hears that is particularly memorable.
The catchphrase “A blue winter, just for now” is lovely, isn’t it? The BGM is “winterlust” by Laura day romance.
Written specifically for this commercial, the song’s mid-tempo arrangement and gentle female vocals are a delight to the ears.
JR Central (Central Japan Railway Company) “Yes, let’s go to Kyoto.” Spring 2018 “Kanshūji 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 East ‘JR SKISKI’ 2012
GReeeeN, which became a nationally beloved band with the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Yell,” released this song in 2012 as the CM song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI.” The multiple key changes throughout the track are striking, and the unexpected modulations make it a very fun listen.
The lyrics depict that bittersweet yet happy moment when you realize you’ve fallen for someone—a feeling everyone has experienced.
It’s a song that will make your heart flutter as you overlay it with your own memories.
