[Famous] Compilation of Local Commercials from Across Japan
If you live away from your hometown, you’ve probably had this experience while chatting with friends or coworkers: “Huh? You don’t know that commercial?” That surprise.
Something you took for granted watching since you were a kid turns out to have been a local commercial that only aired in that region… it’s pretty startling, isn’t it? In this article, we’ve rounded up famous local commercials from around the country.
You might just encounter that nostalgic clip again.
Be sure to read to the end!
- [Kansai Region Local] A compilation of local commercials broadcast in Kansai
- [Nagoya Commercials] A Collection of Local Commercials from Aichi Prefecture
- Local commercials broadcast in Hokkaido
- Local commercials from Shizuoka Prefecture: from regional chains to souvenir ads.
- [Funny Commercials] Hilarious! Memorable Ads
- Nostalgic commercials from the 2000s: revisiting ads that left a lasting impression
- [Nostalgic Commercials] A compilation of commercials that aired in the Showa era
- [Famous] Compilation of Local Commercials from Across Japan
- Catchy commercial jingles. A roundup of those songs grabbing attention in ads!
- [From timeless classics to the latest hits] A roundup of catchy commercial songs
- Compilation of candy commercials: from the latest to nostalgic ones
- Funny commercial song. Popular funny commercial songs.
- A list of TV commercials from banks nationwide: introducing commercials that convey a sense of security and trust.
[Famous] Compilation of Local Commercials from Across Japan (61–70)
Hanaten Used Car Center
Hanaten Used Car Center, which had been selling used cars mainly in the Kansai region since the 1960s, is now a subsidiary of Bigmotor.
In its TV commercial, a sexy woman appears, and the lines “Who on earth are you?” and “Are you selling your car? I’ll pay a high price” became a hot topic.
The presentation, clearly aimed at men, feels very much of its time and oozes that local-commercial vibe.
The sound logo at the end—“Hanaten Used Car Center”—somehow really sticks in your head.
Midori Denka
Midori Denka was a consumer electronics retailer that once operated mainly in the Kansai region.
After a management integration, its stores gradually transitioned into Edion locations.
Among Midori Denka’s commercials, the most memorable were the ones featuring its image character, Midori-chan.
Her catchphrase was “I’ll give it a try,” which conveyed a proactive attitude aligned with meeting customers’ needs.
Another notable point was her singing—not exactly skillful, but striking nonetheless.
It gave the impression that the brand emphasized straightforward sincerity, even to the point of being a little rough around the edges.
U-POHS
When he blows in sync with the line, the barcode hair goes fwoosh…
I’m pretty sure this was a local commercial from the Kansai region.
The comedy duo Haruka and Kanata Unabara appeared in this TV ad for U-POHS.
Since it’s a company that buys cars and sells used cars, Master Kanata Unabara recites a phone number that’s a pun on the phrase “If you’re selling your car, give us a call.” And the one on the receiving end of that breath is Master Haruka Unabara, with his classic 1-9 side-part hairstyle.
It’s a stunt—an ad—that only those two could pull off.
Kyoto Bank
As a regional bank in Kyoto beloved by locals, Kyoto Bank’s commercials are familiar and memorable for people in Kansai.
The ads with the catchphrase “A loooong-lasting relationship” are full of humor.
They’re known for featuring long objects, and so far they’ve shown things like long daikon radishes, blackboards, batons, and cleaning rags.
When the narration stretches out “looooooong” while showing lots of long items, you can’t help but keep your eyes glued to the screen.
More recently, the Kyoto Bank Senryu Theater—a series of drama-style commercials based on senryu poems—has also left a strong impression.
Coca-Cola Bonaqua: “For this island’s everyday life – 555 ml bottle” / “For this island’s everyday life – 2-liter bottle”Yuri Kakazu
This is an introductory commercial for Bonaqua, sold by Coca-Cola.
At the time the commercial aired, it was sold exclusively in Okinawa, and it’s striking how the product’s features are presented to an original song that sounds like Okinawan folk music.
Playing on “Uchina,” which means “of Okinawa,” the lyrics humorously sing “Uchi-nansui” (a pun on “soft water”), creating a friendly, approachable feel.
Himeji Central Park
If you’re from the Kansai region, there’s a good chance this commercial jingle rings a bell! It’s from the ad for Himeji Central Park in Hyogo Prefecture, and the slightly disarming melody sung in a boy’s voice is surprisingly addictive.
There are other commercials that use this song as well, so if you’re curious, be sure to look for them.
Delicious Ramen Matsufuku: “All you who want to eat something tasty, gather ’round.”
This is a commercial for Shofuku, a ramen shop with its main location in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and a broad presence across the prefecture.
The shop prides itself on its “delicious ramen,” a phrase also featured in its logo, which conveys strong confidence in their ramen.
The visuals depict a child wandering in search of something tasty, expressing the idea that Shofuku can fulfill that wish.
By responding to a child’s innocent desire, the ad also conveys a message that they want people to enjoy their ramen casually.