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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 (21–30)

JR East 'Shinkansen YEAR 2017' — Shinkansen Running Through the Four Seasons (version)

Original songfu mou

JR East Shinkansen YEAR 2017 “Shinkansen Running Through the Four Seasons” 30s
Original songfu mou

This song, used in JR East’s “Shinkansen YEAR 2017” commercial (The Shinkansen Running Through the Four Seasons), is an original track by composer fu_mou, who produces and writes songs for anime and idol groups such as Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku and Up Up Girls (Kari).

He is also known for his remixes of Yuzu’s “Irotoridori” and Porter Robinson’s “Flicker.” While he specializes in electronica and rock, this CM track stands out for its delicate sound that evokes “wa” and Japan’s distinct four seasons.

It combines a sense of speed with a relaxing comfort—something that would feel right at home playing in a ryokan.

JR Central 'Fight! Express'

SOMEDAYSano Motoharu

Motoharu Sano - SOMEDAY - Motoharu Sano
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.”

[Including SKISKI] Summary of JR’s Commercial Songs (31–40)

Apple blossomsMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara - Apple Blossoms - LIVE
Apple blossomsMakihara Noriyuki

It was released in 2011 as Noriyuki Makihara’s 41st single.

The song was written specifically for the JR East Tohoku Shinkansen Shin-Aomori Station opening campaign “MY FIRST AOMORI,” and its release date coincided with the day of the Great East Japan Earthquake that struck the Tohoku region, which is the setting of the commercial.

For people in Tohoku, it is also supported as a song of reconstruction.

JR East 'Shinkansen YEAR 2017' – Shinkansen Made by Everyone, Aomori Edition (Project Movie)

Original songDE DE MOUSE

[CM] JR East Shinkansen YEAR 2017 (2)
Original songDE DE MOUSE

DE DE MOUSE shot to prominence after performing at the legendary RAW LIFE party held in Tokyo in 2006.

He’s a multi-player who handles everything from programming and mixing to visuals.

He chops and deconstructs sampled vocal snippets, then reconstructs them into mysterious melodies that sound as if sung by aliens.

When these are intertwined with vividly shimmering synths, a floating sensation, and euphoric, uplifting drums, the result is the one-and-only DE DE MOUSE world—definitely worth checking out.

JR East 'History of Transformation' Version 30 Seconds

My Way (Arrangement)NOT WONK

“My Way,” featured in JR East’s 2018 commercial “History of Transformation,” is a version arranged by NOT WONK, a rock band from Hokkaido, of Frank Sinatra’s signature song.

Departing from the original’s relaxed, majestic feel, this take is crafted with a stylish, cool, urban vibe.

Its refreshing sound, brimming with excitement and a sense of speed, is sure to make you think, “All right, let’s head out now!”

JR West “5th Anniversary Sanyo–Kyushu Shinkansen Through-Service Campaign”

Why do we travel?Kobukuro

From the very first line, this Kobukuro travel song sweeps you into a vacation mood, and its gently woven melody grows more and more comforting.

It was included on their 2016 album “TIMELESS WORLD.” Chosen as the tie-in song for JR West’s “5th Anniversary of Sanyo–Kyushu Shinkansen Through Service,” its messages of hometown love and the many words painting dreams really resonate.

It makes you want to listen while swaying on a train.

You can feel the thrill of new experiences awaiting at your destination and the excitement of your heart opening up.

A warm, quintessential Kobukuro number—it sounds like it’ll make for a wonderful trip!

Top of the WorldCarpenters

Carpenters Top of the World The Carpenters HQ
Top of the WorldCarpenters

This is a song released by the Carpenters in 1972 that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

In Japan, it has been covered by many artists and widely used in commercials and TV dramas.

It was also used as the theme for JR West’s Hikari Rail Star commercial.