The theme song for Merit’s commercials. A popular jingle.
Since its release in 1970, Merit shampoo has been beloved as Kao’s flagship product.
Over the years, many commercials have been produced, featuring a wide variety of songs as CM tracks.
Some were original songs created specifically for the commercials, others used popular hits, and more recently, cover versions of iconic Japanese rock songs have also drawn attention.
In this article, we’ll introduce all the songs that have been featured in Merit commercials to date!
Merit’s commercial songs. Popular commercial songs (1–10)
The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo
This is a memorable commercial for Merit with the catchphrase “Family, Love, and Merit.” Two versions have been produced: the “Gentle” edition and the “The Day I Became a First Grader” edition, both of which convey the love from parent to child.
In the commercial, Yuna Ishii’s cover of Ringo Sheena’s ‘Happiness Theory’ plays in the background.
Her innocent singing voice is so adorably sweet!
DoodleMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s pleasant high-tone vocals shine.
The commercial that uses their youthfully pop song “Doodle” is Kao Merit × Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, “Sweat of Enthrallment.” The song’s refreshing vibe nicely evokes the image of a clean, freshly washed feel!
radianceOkamura Takako
This commercial highlights the cleansing power of Merit to remove dirt and protect the scalp, conveying that this leads to brighter days.
It features Yuriko Ishida washing her hair with Merit and letting her hair flow, with her smile expressing the joy of beautiful hair.
Enhancing the refreshing atmosphere of the visuals is Takako Okamura’s song “Kagayaki” (Radiance).
The piano-centered, dazzling sound and her soaring vocals convey not only a sense of freshness but also a positive, uplifting feeling.
StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, led by Motoki Omori, has been chosen as the CM song for Merit.
The fresh, clean shampoo commercial is enhanced by the breezy track.
“StaRt” has been a popular song since their early days, and its bright vibe makes it very approachable.
saakasu
This commercial promotes the benefits of achieving fresh, beautiful hair through the presence of Yuriko Ishida.
The way the product thoroughly removes dirt and transforms hair to a radiant shine comes across clearly in the shopping scene, where her hair gleams.
The refreshing atmosphere of her smiling and letting her hair flow is accentuated by the song from Circus.
The overall emphasis on smiling is also an important point, giving the impression that positive emotions are being expressed.
Bud of excitementYaita Hitomi
This is a commercial depicting Takashi Fujii and Otoha watching over their child, while also conveying that Merit is perfect for sweaty summer days.
A child enjoying summer to the fullest and working up a sweat, and the parents washing that sweat away with Merit to keep them comfortable—together, these scenes convey a gentle sense of happiness.
Further highlighting the tender atmosphere of the visuals is Hitomi Yaida’s “Dokidoki no Tsubomi.” The calm, piano-forward sound combined with her smile-evoking vocals really makes the happiness come through.
Go, go, me!Honma Kinu
This is the song used in the Merit commercial featuring Satoshi Tsumabuki.
It’s a perfect match for the ad’s understated, unspoken atmosphere.
Kinuko Honma, who sings “Ike Ike Watashi,” the track used in the commercial, has worked on many CM songs.
“Ike Ike Watashi” is marked by its lively, rhythmic singing and fun vibe.
Its simple, straightforward lyrics and melody are easy on the ears—you could listen to it forever.
It’s an approachable CM song that makes you want to hum along.
It’s likely to put you in a positive mood.