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Lovely commercial jingle

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 (11–20)

JR East 'JR SKISKI' 2015

MemoriesMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION 『Memories』
MemoriesMAN WITH A MISSION

Originally created as the 2015 commercial song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI,” this track was initially planned for digital release only.

However, due to a large number of requests for a CD, it was released as a limited edition of 10,000 copies in early 2016.

Although it’s a ski-themed commercial, the song has an appealing quality that feels like more than just that.

Every year, the JR East “JR SKISKI” commercial songs are distinctive, and many people likely look forward to seeing what kind of track will be chosen.

JR West 'Travel Program In-show Commercial Song' 'I Want to Go Far Away'

I hope soNakamori Akina

Akina Nakamori – “I Hope So” Finale
I hope soNakamori Akina
JR Group TV commercial - Akina Nakamori version

The travel program “Tōku e Ikitai,” which has been on the air since 1970, is known as the longest-running travel show in Japan.

Interestingly, it is also the only program for which the JR Group provides commercial sponsorship.

The reason is that the show’s sponsor at the time it began airing was Japanese National Railways (JNR), and after JNR was split up and privatized, the JR Group inherited the role of sponsor.

The commercial song used in this context was “I hope so” by Akina Nakamori, one of Japan’s most celebrated divas.

It’s the title track from the album of the same name released in 2003, and it became a hot topic because Nakamori herself wrote the lyrics.

Musically, it has the feel of a simple, mid-tempo rock ballad, but Nakamori’s voice—tempered by a wealth of life experience—conveys a comforting, all-enveloping warmth, while the positive lyrics strike a chord with listeners.

As for the origin of the title, please do look it up for yourselves.

JR East 'JR SKI SKI' 2019

silverEVE

Shirogane – Eve MV
silverEVE
Minami Hamabe and Kenshi Okada co-star in the JR Ski commercial! Song by Eve, “Shirogane.” New JR SKISKI CM.

Eve’s “Shirogane,” chosen as the theme song for JR SKI SKI in 2019–2020, has an easy-to-love, bouncy guitar riff that’s really fun! Its worldview feels like it paints a grand silver landscape, with a sparkling quality that hints at the future to come.

Thinking about moments that will never return, it seems brimming with the youth and brilliant hope that exist in the “now.” It teaches us the importance of raw, all-out feelings and passion—a winter song that clears the heart.

JR Central: Supporting 'Let’s Go Meet.' “It’s not just that we’re gathering.” (version)

Let’s go see (someone).UA

UA – Let's Go Meet (Official Audio)
Let's go see (someone).UA
Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) Supporting “Let’s Go Meet.” 60-second version of “We’re not just gathering.”

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 West: "We want to deliver each person's thoughts."

A Gift Without a StampOshiba Hiromi

Kazuo Zaitsu “A Gift Without a Stamp,” covered by Hiromi Oshiwa
A Gift Without a StampOshiba Hiromi

The memorable title doesn’t actually appear in the lyrics, but as you read them, the meaning comes through and the song leaves you with a warm feeling.

This classic was created by Kazuo Zaitsu, the frontman of Tulip and a songwriter who has released countless masterpieces.

It was originally introduced in 1977 on the NHK music program “Uta wa Tomodachi,” and its friendly melody and lyrics resonated widely, making it a huge hit that has since been covered by many artists and bands.

The version featured here was used in JR West’s corporate commercials that aired starting in February 2020, with vocals by Osaka-born singer-songwriter Hiromi Oshiba.

The gentle sound of the acoustic guitar and the soft, kind vocals are truly soothing.

JR East: “Only this winter is blue.” Preparation chapter

winterlustLaura day romance

JR SKISKI “A Blue Winter, Just for Now.” Preparation Version 30 Seconds

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.

[Including SKISKI] Summary of JR Commercial Songs (21–30)

JR West Japan Smart EX “At home or at the office” version

OriginalKaji Yūki

These days, it’s a convenient world where you can easily make Shinkansen online reservations right from your smartphone.

One of the services that lets you quickly book online for the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen is “Smart EX.” Many people were probably curious about the platypus mascot Ico-chan from JR West’s IC card “ICOCA”—with that unusually smooth voice—and the song featured in the “Smart EX” commercial, the “At Home or at the Office” version that began airing in March 2020.

Anime fans might recognize it right away, but the voice and singing are by popular voice actor Yuki Kaji.

He has starred in many hit anime, and in his private life, he’s known for marrying fellow popular voice actor Ayana Taketatsu in 2019.

Of course, the song is an original track made for the commercial, and its charming melody and straightforward lyrics are exactly what you’d expect from a catchy jingle.