[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 (21–30)
Sakaeya Nanban Ōrai
This is a uniquely atmospheric commercial that promotes Sakaeya’s Nanban Orai—a baked confection born in Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture—by likening it to a doll figure.
The sense of a foreign land is a key point, and its gentle mood also conveys a sense of luxury.
With Ms.
Kohmi Hirose singing the theme song, it evokes an expansive, far-reaching feeling, as if sending one’s thoughts to distant places.
Ube Heima Buddhist Temple Hall
Many people from the prefecture probably remember the commercial for Ube Hyouma Bukkakudō, a Buddhist altar shop in Ube City.
The scene of a boy and girl putting their hands together is striking.
However, what’s especially memorable in Ube Hyouma Bukkakudō’s commercials is the original song with a kayōkyoku flavor.
It’s incredibly impactful and sticks in your head after just one listen!
Shiga Prefecture Ishida Mitsunari
Speaking of samurai warlords who represent Shiga Prefecture, Ishida Mitsunari comes to mind.
This is a quirky commercial that introduces what makes Ishida Mitsunari so appealing.
As if pitching a product’s strengths, it comically conveys what kind of person he was.
By thoroughly highlighting even the finer details, it expresses a desire for viewers to feel a sense of familiarity with him.
Blue Seal
This is a commercial that conveys the appeal of Blue Seal, an ice cream chain mainly operating in Okinawa, in a fun atmosphere.
The visuals are based on three colors—blue, white, and orange—which are also the brand’s image colors, and their vividness evokes tastiness and excitement.
The song that underscores this cheerful vibe is “Hoppe ni Blue Seal” by Lagoon Blue.
The uplifting rhythm and bright vocals together firmly evoke Blue Seal’s refreshing feel.
Otafuku sauceTetsuo Hara
Speaking of Kansai sauce makers, it’s got to be Oliver Sauce from Kobe, right? This is a version featuring Tetsuo Hara, who served as the commercial’s face for many years.
They say the commercials with Hara began airing in 1976.
After that, comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo also appeared in the ads, and for us Kansai folks there were plenty of eye-catching commercials.
This one also uses a humorous touch—the scene where Hara calls into the sauce bottle, “President, President!?” really makes you want to chime in with a witty comeback.
Takahashi DevelopmentShigeru Matsuzaki
Speaking of commercials by Takahashi Kaihatsu—a company headquartered in Hirakata City that handles everything from home construction to sales—this is the one featuring Shigeru Matsuzaki, right? I’m sure many people still have the original song he sings stuck in their heads.
And there may be quite a few who keep replaying the ad because they can’t quite catch what Matsuzaki says at the very end.
KBS Kyoto “Kyotoites” Version
This is a commercial that introduces SDGs initiatives in Kyoto, showing how the goal of “building sustainable cities and communities” is being realized.
It highlights the ingenuity involved in preserving the old townscape and the community’s love for their region, conveyed through the narration by Ayashichi Bridgman.
It also communicates aspects of Kyoto’s culture, such as how important the town’s fire-watch calls are as they echo through the streets.