JR’s CM song roundup, including SKISKI and more
When it comes to JR commercials, there are all kinds: ones that showcase beautiful footage of tourist spots around Japan, ones that capture trains in motion, and of course the classic “JR SKISKI” series that appears every winter!
These commercials use music that perfectly matches their imagery—gentle tracks that highlight the beauty of the visuals, or upbeat tunes that convey the exhilarating speed of a train.
Many of the songs featured in the “JR SKISKI” series go on to become beloved winter staples, so there are quite a few standout CM tracks.
In this article, we’ll introduce all the songs that have been used in JR commercials so far.
You’re sure to find those buzzworthy tracks or the ones you heard in a CM and couldn’t get out of your head.
[Including SKISKI] Summary of JR Commercial Songs (1–10)
SNOW SOUND[Alexandros]
![SNOW SOUND[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e7GvXNOxhng/sddefault.jpg)
A medium-tempo track by [Alexandros] that was featured in JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign from 2016 to 2017.
Its sound, which paints a picture of snow falling silently, and its wistful lyrics are endlessly beautiful, and when winter comes, you can’t help but long for “SNOW SOUND.” Some of you may have heard it at ski resorts.
It captures feelings that arise precisely because it’s an extraordinary experience you can’t usually have, and the love that places wishes upon the snow makes your heart skip a beat.
Be sure to pay attention to the realistic depictions and the dreamy atmosphere as well.
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.
AMBITIOUS JAPAN!TOKIO
When it comes to songs that match the Shinkansen, it’s got to be this one! It’s a classic released in 2003 by TOKIO, a band that has truly transcended boundaries.
Many people will vividly recall the TV commercial, since it was used as a tie-in song for JR Central.
Produced by the master lyricist Rei Nakanishi, with composition by the legendary Kyohei Tsutsumi, who created countless hits.
The chorus is so catchy that you can’t help but hum along when the song or the commercial comes on.
It paints the image of the Nozomi racing ahead and fills you with a sense of a bright future!
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.
Christmas EveNEW!Yamashita Tatsuro
In the 1992 Xmas EXPRESS commercial, the series came to a temporary end that year.
This time, Takami Yoshimoto appeared as the heroine, walking along the Shinkansen platform in search of her partner.
Though she has trouble finding them at first, her partner appears near the end of the commercial, and they embrace in tears.
The direction makes you imagine the hidden drama between the two.
The background music is Tatsuro Yamashita’s signature song, “Christmas Eve.”
We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā
Rock ’n’ roll at its best! Sambomaster’s “Dekikkonai wo Yaranakucha” has been loved for years as a go-to cheer-up song since its 2010 release, and it was even used as the theme song for the 2018 drama Cheer☆Dan.
It also played in JR East Group’s “Overseas Railway Project” commercial.
It’s unbelievably fiery—but that heat is exactly what makes it great! Its message helps you hold on when you’re about to falter or feel like giving up.
The powerful band sound and vocalist Yamaguchi’s passionate singing are overwhelming.
The ending of the chorus, overflowing with affirmation and hope, is wonderful—it makes you want to shout along!
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.