When people in Japan hear “cola,” most probably think of Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola, right?
Pepsi, with its extremely high brand recognition, has produced a large number of commercials.
When it comes to Pepsi’s overseas commercials, the ones depicting the fierce rivalry with Coca-Cola often become talking points.
In Japan, however, the mainstream tends to be ads that focus on the product’s great taste.
In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive roundup of Pepsi commercials produced to date.
We’ll also touch on the featured performers and background music, so if there’s a commercial you’ve been curious about, be sure to look for it.
- Pepsi commercial song. Popular jingle.
- Commercials by Coca-Cola Japan: A collection of ads for popular products like Coke and I LOHAS.
- A collection of Calpis commercials. The appeal lies in direction that evokes youth and nostalgia!
- A roundup of Suntory commercials: ads for popular beverages like BOSS and Kinmugi.
- Coca-Cola commercials: A roundup of famous ads whose cast and featured songs are making waves
- Compilation of coffee commercials. A comprehensive showcase, regardless of brand!
- Summary of Calbee commercials: Snack and cereal ads featuring star-studded casts
- Pocari Sweat commercials: A collection of ads that evoke summer and youthful vibes.
- Compilation of DyDo Drinco commercials. A comprehensive introduction to their beverage ads.
- Compilation of Georgia commercials. Commercials for Coca-Cola's popular coffee.
- Summary of Ito En commercials: Introducing ads such as those for Oi Ocha
- Songs and production causing a buzz! A roundup of Pocari Sweat commercial tracks
- Popular figures from various fields unite! A roundup of povo commercials.
Pepsi commercial roundup. Introducing Suntory’s Pepsi series commercials! (1–10)
Suntory Pepsi BIG Nama “Both are huge!” versionRiki Choshu, Keiji Mutoh
This commercial features Riki Choshu and Keiji Muto enjoying Pepsi and KFC, with their expressions clearly conveying how delicious it is.
At first, they both look happy, but then each starts to feel dissatisfied when the other’s chicken or Pepsi seems bigger than their own.
In the end, they can’t hold back and point out the unfairness, engaging in a childlike back-and-forth that creates a comedic vibe.
The intensity of their eating and their words showcases their power as pro wrestlers, which highlights the fun even more.
Suntory Pepsi J-Cola ‘Monster Dance Troupe’Sayuri Ishikawa, SUGIZO, KenKen, DJ RENA, Nyangostar
This commercial brings together a star-studded lineup led by Sayuri Ishikawa, with LUNA SEA’s SUGIZO, RIZE’s KenKen, DJ RENA, and Nyangostar.
It’s a PEPSI J-Cola spot featuring an awe-inspiring, festival-like spectacle: dancers marching around a massive float carrying the musicians.
The piece performed in the video is “Hyakki Yagyo.” It’s a track that feels like an arrangement of the Soran Bushi folk song, and above all, Ishikawa’s soaring vocals command an overwhelming presence.
Not to be outdone, SUGIZO’s guitar and KenKen’s bass fire back in kind.
It’s a powerful number whose intensity can only be experienced through a collaboration of such lavish artists.
Suntory Pepsi Nex 2010 CommercialL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This commercial shows L’Arc-en-Ciel performing surrounded by Pepsi bottles, evoking the refreshing sensation of Pepsi.
It highlights their powerful performance through expressions and movement, and by layering it with visuals of fizzing carbonation, it also conveys deliciousness.
The song that accentuates the crisp yet forceful sense of refreshment expressed in the footage is “I Love Rock ’N’ Roll.” Although performed by L’Arc-en-Ciel, the song originally comes from the British rock band The Arrows.
The sound features powerfully resonant low tones, and the layered vocals give listeners a boost of energy.
Its straightforward rock sound inspires a positive, forward-looking feeling.
Suntory Pepsi Nex Zero Pepsi Strong 5.0GV Momotaro Series Episode 0 to Episode 5Shun Oguri, Shuhei Nomura
Many of you probably remember the commercial series aired from 2014 to 2017 in which Shun Oguri played Momotaro, as it became a major talking point at the time.
With visuals and direction that looked straight out of a Hollywood film, it was so stylish that you might not even have realized it was a Pepsi ad.
The BGM used in the commercial is Same Ol’ by the British rock band The Heavy.
Its powerful, heavy guitar riff leaves a strong impression—just hearing the intro can knock you out.
The “Ol’” in the title is an abbreviation of “Old,” so “Same Old” conveys the idea of repeating the same things.
The lyrics wryly depict unchanging, monotonous days, making it a track that can give you a push when you’re dissatisfied with the status quo or want to take on a challenge.
Suntory Pepsi
This commercial depicts the powerful presence of ancient people fighting in an arena, while also highlighting the bold, refreshing appeal of Pepsi.
Just when it seems like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Pink are going to battle, they throw down their weapons and deliver a performance that draws in the audience, unfolding a story of standing up to those in power.
The song featured as a powerful performance in this footage is “We Will Rock You.” Originally a Queen song, it conveys a different kind of strength here by being sung by women known for their powerful vocals.
With a sound that feels like stamping the earth and layered vocals that sweep up everyone around, the entire piece emphasizes sheer power.
Suntory Pepsi Nex 2010 CommercialPerfume
This commercial showcases the delicious taste and refreshing feel of Pepsi through Perfume’s stylish dance and bright expressions.
With a structure that repeats similar shots—signature looks and poses—the unique progression further elevates the stylish atmosphere.
The song that underscores this breezy vibe is Lovefool, performed by Perfume, a cover of The Cardigans’ 1996 track.
The repeated phrase before the vocals begin and the gentle singing that follows create a distinctive sense of weightlessness.
It’s a track that conveys fun while maintaining a cool, stylish image.
Suntory Pepsi Nex 2010 CommercialKobukuro
This commercial features Kobukuro performing next to a bottle of Pepsi, highlighting its powerful, refreshing zing.
Seeing the duo in black outfits delivering a rock-style performance also gives it a fresh, new feel.
The track that accentuates the video’s powerful energy and crisp exhilaration is Kobukuro’s rendition of “Layla.” The song is originally known as a track by Derek and the Dominos, Eric Clapton’s band.
While Kobukuro is generally associated with a more acoustic image, this song conveys their intent to break new ground with a rock-inspired vibe.