[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 (121–130)
Hiyoshi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
There may be more people from the Kansai region than you’d expect who recognize this commercial jingle but don’t know what product it’s for.
Some of you have probably even hummed along without knowing the lyrics.
In fact, the commercial is for a medicine called Kiohgan, sold by Hiyash Pharmaceutical.
Kiohgan is a remedy for infants’ and toddlers’ conditions like kan-no-mushi (irritability) and diarrhea, and the lyrics mention symptoms such as night crying and kan-no-mushi.
Nagata Buddhist Altar Shop
This is a commercial for Nagataya, a retailer of Buddhist altars and accessories headquartered in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture.
It consists of a narration that, against a backdrop of sutra chanting, talks about their dedication to carefully crafting Buddhist altars.
However, if you listen closely, the voice that sounded like a sutra is actually saying “Nagatayara~,” chanting the store’s name in a sutra-like style.
It’s a humorous local TV commercial.
Hama Otome
Hamaotome specializes in dried foods like nori, furikake, and ochazuke.
Its commercials, featuring a nostalgic stop-motion animation of a grandfather telling folktales to children, leave a lasting impression.
The giant “Deetarabocchi,” taller than the mountains in those folktales, is actually Hamaotome’s image character.
The commercials are simple—no repeated shouting of product names, no parody songs, and no flashy mascots—and that simplicity is precisely what gives them a timeless appeal.
Awaji World Park ONOKORO
Awaji Island has recently become popular for its stylish cafes, restaurants, and attractions.
But the commercial for Awaji World Park ONOKORO still has that classic, over-the-top Kansai comedy vibe that makes you laugh in spite of yourself.
It relentlessly answers the very first question everyone wonders—“So where exactly is that?”—with an unforgettable character who just won’t let up.
The way they compare famous things from countries like India and Spain to the shape of Awaji Island, pointing them out with a finger, is hilariously quirky and so captivating you can’t look away!
[Famous] Compilation of Local Commercials from Around Japan (131–140)
U.S. Secretary Rice
This is a commercial for Beitsune Rice, a company originating in Kitanagoya City that sold rice and rice-based products.
Many people from Aichi Prefecture probably remember the woman dancing aerobics-style and the catchy jingle.
The exquisite combination of music and dance is so addictive that it makes you want to watch the commercial over and over again.
Akamari Five-Color Dorayaki
Speaking of the commercial with the middle-aged man with purple hair in a red happi coat singing and playing the piano, it has to be Akemaru’s Five-Color Dorayaki, right? That man is actually named Aketarō, and in fact he was Katsuhiko Hōjō, Akemaru’s second president.
And the song featured in the commercial is titled “Aka(ne) no Jinsei Ōenka” (“Akemaru’s Life Fight Song”), which was actually released on CD in 2004! The man called Aketarō, the song, and the children in colorful full-body tights that seem to represent the five colors of the dorayaki—all the elements in that commercial really left an impression.
Kondō Sanko
The commercial for Kondo Sanko Co., Ltd., with its catchy slogan “We’ll lend you anything,” really sticks in your head.
The company is located in Minami Ward, Nagoya, and operates a wide-ranging rental business.
In Kondo Sanko’s ad, the unique and amusing character “Kashimasu Musume,” who plays maracas and the shamisen, really stands out.
It’s probably a parody of the comedy trio Kashimashi Musume, who were active in the 1960s! Thanks to that witty touch, this unique commercial is extremely well-known in the Tokai area.