[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 Nationwide (31–40)
Sawatokubutsudan Shop
This is a commercial that promotes Sawatoku Butsudan Shop, headquartered in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, through light and cheerful singing.
It begins with a choir-like scene, and as the camera gradually pulls back, a butsudan and a Buddhist monk come into view.
The butsudan that appears at that moment is the most important point, clearly conveying that this is a place with a beautiful selection of butsudan.
The overall bright atmosphere leaves the impression of making ancestral memorial offerings feel positive.
Masuda GlassesShizuka Nakagawa
This is a commercial promoting Masuda Eyewear, a glasses store that has been loved in Mie Prefecture for 90 years, by showcasing the shop’s interior and people wearing glasses.
An important point is that it features the voices of people who use Masuda’s glasses, expressing the role glasses play in everyday life.
It also portrays how different styles of eyewear can help shift one’s mood and enrich daily life.
The ad clearly highlights the value for money and conveys a sense of attentiveness to customers as well.
BandaiMadoka Hoshikaze
This commercial vividly showcases how helpful the Mandai supermarket is in everyday life through the presence of Madoka Hoshikaze.
The key idea is the expression of Mandai spreading out when the refrigerator is opened, clearly conveying how close and familiar it is.
The scenes of enjoying shopping to the music and the basket filling up with products also convey a sense of reassurance that you can find anything you need.
The smiles of the people around her further suggest that it’s a place that enriches daily life.
HeiwadoTakanori Nishikawa
This commercial features Takanori Nishikawa—who hails from Shiga Prefecture and serves as Heiwado’s Special GM—introducing smart ways to save at Heiwado, a supermarket chain centered in Shiga.
It highlights the Heiwado HOP app and clearly explains how you can benefit from using it.
From basic usage to tips for saving even more, the ad cheerfully and brightly shows how to make shopping more enjoyable throughout.
While it mainly focuses on guidance, Nishikawa’s smile right up to the end gives the impression that it also conveys Heiwado’s friendly, approachable image.
Fuji Safari Park
Fuji Safari Park is one of Japan’s largest safari parks, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, and it’s widely known nationwide thanks in part to its TV commercials.
True to the song’s lyrics, lions are kept there, along with many other kinds of animals.
The song is appealing for its straightforward, easy-to-understand content and the powerful vocals of Akira Kushida, familiar for themes like the one from Kinnikuman.
As a commercial song that’s also available in karaoke, among other factors, it’s a commercial with very high name recognition.
[Famous] Compilation of Local Commercials Nationwide (41–50)
Hatoya
Hatoya Hotel, headquartered in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, became known nationwide thanks to a commercial that began airing in 1961.
This ad uses a light, catchy song to showcase the appeal of Hatoya while evoking the hotel’s history.
The visuals clearly present the exterior, interior, and the people who work there, and the song layered over them heightens the sense of fun.
Lyrics like “If you’re going to Ito, go to Hatoya” have been beloved for many years, conveying a warmth that reflects the hotel’s wish to support the joy of travel.
Higashi-Niigata Driving School
This is a commercial that helped spread the name of Higashi-Niigata Driving School, a driving school located in the Higashi Ward of Niigata City.
The footage evokes the 1980s, featuring a dial-type television and a woman with a Seiko-chan haircut, while describing the facilities of Higashi-Niigata Driving School.
Although the message is a straightforward promotional pitch, it drew attention because it aired for a long time.
It portrays a user-friendly approach, but because everything looks so different from today, the visuals end up eliciting a chuckle.