[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 TV Commercials Nationwide (111–120)
Hokkaido Part-Time Job Information Company Shufukita ‘Consultation with Mother: Anxiety’ Version
This commercial shows a scene where a woman raising a young child consults her mother about balancing housework and her job.
It’s a commercial from Hokkaido Arbeit Johsha, and the main character voices her worry that if she starts working, she might not be able to handle housework and childcare.
But her mother gives her advice that lightens her heart.
Many people raising children might feel the same way as the woman in the commercial.
It’s a message that turns a bit of anxiety into confidence and seems to give you that push to take the first step in your job search.
[Famous] Compilation of Local Commercials from Across Japan (121–130)
Kinosaki Marine World
A very Kansai-style, straight-down-the-middle approach: the Kinosaki Marine World commercial that goes all in on dolphins.
A dolphin pops its head out of the water and, head-on, grabs viewers’ hearts with an irresistibly cute expression.
It’s more than enough to make you think, “I want to go meet this dolphin!” The final shot, filmed with a fisheye lens, shows Marine World as if seen from a sea creature’s perspective, making it a commercial that captivates fans with a clear, easy-to-grasp setup—sea and dolphins.
Taihei Construction Industry
If you watch Hanshin baseball broadcasts, you might find this familiar.
It’s a commercial for Taihei Construction Industry Co., Ltd., whose headquarters are in Kita Ward, Osaka City.
Because it’s so simple, once you see it, it sticks in your head.
There are several versions of the commercial, and they’re compiled on the official website, so if you’re thinking, “What was that like again?”, be sure to check it out.
By the way, the person who appears in the main role is the company president, Koji Kato.
Ujimoritoku Kaori-chan
This is a commercial for Uji Moritoku, a tea manufacturer and retailer headquartered in Osaka.
The series typically features the mascot character Kaori-chan, and many people will recognize the sound logo that says “Kaori-chan” at the start of the ad.
By the way, in 2019 the character design was refreshed with the debut of the second-generation Kaori-chan.
Moving Company Banban
This is a commercial for Hikkoshiya Banban, a moving company that primarily operates in Hokkaido.
The humorous man featured in the ad is Fumiyuki Takada, who was active as a local Hokkaido TV personality.
Also known by the nickname Mr.
Daveman, he was one of Hokkaido’s original star talents.
Along with Takada’s lines, which give viewers a reassuring sense that they can leave everything about moving to the company, many people from Hokkaido will likely recognize the refreshing sound logo that plays at the end of the commercial.
Aichi Small Elevators
The commercial for Aichi Small Elevator Manufacturing Co., which makes elevators, is incredibly impactful.
In particular, the scene where an elderly man in a wheelchair rides a small elevator, plays the shamisen, and shouts, “It’s convenient to have, inconvenient without!” is unforgettable once you’ve seen it.
There’s also a scene where an announcer asks someone who looks like a feudal lord riding a stair-climbing escalator, “How is the ride?”—it’s repeated so many times that it ends up sticking in your head.
Koyo-kaku of Arima Hyoe
Hyoe Koyokaku is a long-established hot spring inn in Arima, a town famed for its onsen.
When it comes to their commercials, you can’t help but have that catchy jingle—rhythmically singing the name “Koyokaku”—stuck in your head! The composer is Taro Kida, known as the “Mozart of Naniwa,” who created many ad jingles.
Although the TV spot only airs the part that sings the inn’s name, the piece is actually a fully developed song with up to three verses! Members of AKB48 have also appeared in past commercials and even performed the theme song.
The sudden jump from the calm imagery to the peppy theme creates a fun little contrast.
