All-Time Nescafé Popular Commercials and Jingles Roundup
When it comes to delicious coffee you can easily enjoy at home, the classic choice is Nescafé!
You’ve probably seen their commercials on TV quite often.
In this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of Nescafé commercials and the songs featured in them.
Speaking of Nescafé CM songs, the iconic track Mezame—famous for the “Dabadaba” refrain—has been loved across generations, but many other songs have been used as well.
We’ll showcase numerous commercials from over the years, also touching on the featured performers, so be sure to check them out.
[History] Summary of Popular NESCAFÉ Commercials and CM Songs (1–10)
Killing Me Softly With HisRobarta Flack
This is a song that has been used since around 1972.
Its Japanese title is “Yasashiku Utatte” (Sing Gently).
In the commercial, the lyrics include the word Nescafé, but the original is a classic by Roberta Flack.
Her husky yet beautiful voice gracefully conveys the song’s grand and profound words of love.
There have been many Nescafé commercials, and I imagine many people discovered this song because of them.
AwakeningSAK.
When you think of Nescafé, the “Daba-da” phrase really sticks, doesn’t it? The original song Awakening that plays in the Gold Blend commercial featuring three members of TOKIO is based on vocals by Kayoko Ishu, known as the “Queen of Scat,” and music by jazz pianist Masao Yagi.
In the 2022 version, the vocals were handled by singer SAK., who was influenced by Whitney Houston and has experience singing in a gospel choir.
In fact, this song made a comeback in 2021 after a 10-year hiatus! It was revived because so many people said that hearing “Daba-da” made them crave a delicious cup of coffee.
SAK., who has also been active in game-related works like Disappearing City and Monster Strike and as a supporting member on TV music programs, truly shines with her beautiful voice.
La La,SmileHiramatsu Eri
When people hear the name Eri Hiramatsu, it’s likely those who remember the era who first think of her 1992 smash hit “Room, Dress Shirt and Me.” For many younger listeners today, however, the song that embodies Eri Hiramatsu may well be the beloved Nescafé theme “La La, Smile.” It’s a model pop song that appeals to everyone, showcasing Hiramatsu’s talents as a singer-songwriter to the fullest.
Beyond the gently observed lyrics, the music video—choreographed by Lucky Ikeda—is wonderfully done, so be sure to check it out.
buoyant feelingsMatsuura Aya
An original commercial song that seems to express both the gentle taste of Nescafé Excella and the uplifting feeling, sung by Aya Matsuura.
The ad also drew attention because it marked her first commercial appearance in 11 years.
Centered on the timbre of the piano and a light, buoyant sound, her smiling, expressive singing evokes a slowly blossoming sense of joy.
Although Aya Matsuura jokingly remarks on having gotten older, her accumulated experience, poise, and clear voice add depth to the song and seem to further highlight the product’s gentleness.
awakeningDREAMS COME TRUE
When it comes to coffee commercials, I imagine the vast majority of people think of this song.
Originally titled “Mezame” by Kayo Iju, it’s covered by DREAMS COME TRUE this time.
Often referred to by the “Dabadaba” scatting that appears in the song, it has been covered by many artists for Nescafé commercials.
The Way We WereClare Torry
Barbra Streisand released it in 1973 as the theme song for the film “The Way We Were,” and it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song that same year.
They’ve adapted part of the lyrics to say “Nescafé.” It’s sung by a different woman, but the excellence of the song remains intact.
Cactus WaltzHatano Atsuko
In the Nescafé Ambassador commercial “Office Infiltration” featuring Shoko Nakagawa, the music used is Saboten Waltz by musician Atsuko Hatano.
Hatano plays instruments including the violin, cello, and piano, and she also composes and arranges strings.
Saboten Waltz is a piano-and-violin ensemble piece, notable for its gentle waltz melody.
It’s a tune that brings a moment of calm, perfectly suiting the quiet office space that Nakagawa slips into in the commercial.
