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!
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Merit’s commercial songs. Popular commercial songs (1–10)
One OneTakagi Masakatsu
This commercial features Ayami Nakajo introducing the appeal of Merit Pyuan, which thoroughly removes dirt and helps you achieve beautiful hair.
It mainly shows her washing her hair, and the subsequent shots of her hair flowing clearly highlight the realization of that beauty.
Further emphasizing the fresh, breezy mood of her flowing hair is Masakatsu Takagi’s “One One.” Built around the piano with layered strings, the piece strongly conveys a gentle, calm atmosphere.
Original songmiyazon
It addresses the fact that even with adorable children, there are times when odor becomes a concern and parents worry about whether they’re washing properly.
With Merit, it’s gentle on the scalp and can clean thoroughly even with a light touch—something that’s also conveyed through the expressions of Shunsuke Kazama and Kumiko Aso.
The parents’ concerns are further expressed through Miyazon’s original song performed as a piano-and-vocal piece.
His bright singing voice, which matches the light, airy piano tones, is striking and conveys a positive feeling, as if those worries are being resolved.
O mio babbino caro from the opera Gianni SchicchiGiacomo Puccini
Here is the song from the Kao Merit Shampoo commercial featuring the couple Toru Nakamura and Isako Washio.
The piece is “O mio babbino caro” from a Puccini opera, and it’s very popular even among classical works.
Since the theme is a scene of coming home after playing with Dad, the title of the song fits perfectly.
Merit commercial songs: Popular TV commercial tunes (11–20)
The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo
This is a Meritto commercial featuring illustrations drawn with a soft touch that leave a strong impression.
The footage depicts the wonderful days of a parent and child, and just watching it warms your heart.
The tagline, “Family, Love, and Meritto,” is lovely as well, highlighting that it’s a perfect shampoo for households raising children.
CanonJohann Pachelbel
In a 2001 commercial, Naoki Hosaka and Saki Takaoka—who were actually married at the time and later divorced—appear as a married couple.
Pachelbel’s Canon is used as the background music.
In Japan, this piece became widely known partly because Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” is considered an homage to it.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
@mieme58 #Kaomoving commercialLike tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi
♬ Original song – Kazu – Kazu
It’s a warm-toned commercial that looks back on various family memories and the days when they used Merit.
The time spent with family is depicted in soft animation, and the characters’ smiles clearly convey a sense of happiness.
Further emphasizing the gentle atmosphere of the visuals is a cover of Elephant Kashimashi’s “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni.” While the original song leaves a strong impression of power and resolve, intentionally switching it to a cute vocal style brings out a nostalgic feeling.
dazzling tomorrowYasuda Rei
A Kao Pyuan commercial that highlights its gentle lather—while thoroughly cleansing, it softly envelops your hair.
The ad simply shows Ayami Nakajo using Pyuan, but the bright world-building paired with her smile clearly conveys a sense of joy.
Further emphasizing the commercial’s cheerful atmosphere is Rei Yasuda’s song “dazzling tomorrow.” Its calm sound—featuring piano, strings, and acoustic guitar—combined with her powerful vocals evokes a positive image of slowly but steadily moving forward.