Male Singer-Songwriter CM Songs, Commercials, and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

YOUYamashita Tatsuro43rank/position

YOU – Tatsuro Yamashita

The Asahi Life commercial featuring Miho Kanno is titled “Life Is a Book.” In the product explanation for the long-term care insurance plan Anshin Kaigo, it introduces the idea that life is a single book and that each person’s story should be cherished.

The CM song is “YOU,” included on Tatsuro Yamashita’s 2022 album SOFTLY.

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utatane

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Dance, fish.Yamashita Tatsuro44rank/position

Tatsuro Yamashita “Soubo (The Masses)” / “Odoroyo, Fish (Dance, Fish)” Music Video

This commercial conveys the excitement of traveling and spending time in Okinawa through images of Yuriko Ishida enjoying the Okinawan sea.

With sunny skies, crystal-clear water, and her radiant smile layered over it all, it vividly and refreshingly portrays the fun of leisure and sports.

The song that further highlights the gentle exhilaration expressed in these visuals is Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Odoroyo, Fish” (“Let’s Dance, Fish”).

Its light rhythm paired with a soft, memorable melody, and the buoyant layering of sounds, all effectively communicate a sense of joy.

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kappamaki

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Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro45rank/position

Nana Eikura stars in Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” special movie-version PV

When it comes to Christmas songs, you just can’t leave this one out! Even though it was released in 1983, it’s beloved across all generations and stands as the king of Christmas songs in the J-pop scene.

Since its release, it’s been featured in various commercials, starting with JR Tokai’s ads.

The accompaniment has a warm, quintessentially Christmas feel, and the sparkling jingle of the sleigh bells is truly beautiful.

Tatsuro Yamashita’s gentle vocals further enrich the bittersweet story woven into the lyrics.

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Hane Keisuke

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Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro46rank/position

Christmas Eve Tatsuro Yamashita Masterpiece CM Collection JR Tokai Christmas Express Rihei Makise 1989

This song, “Christmas Eve,” one of Tatsuro Yamashita’s hit tracks and also a Christmas song, is probably best known as the CM song for JR Tokai’s “Christmas Express” featuring Riho Makise.

It has also been used in commercials for Suzuki’s Chevrolet MW and DeNA’s Mobage, among others.

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi47rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

This is the song used to accentuate the calm atmosphere in the Suntory Maker’s Mark commercial, which portrays the unchanging deliciousness of the whiskey through a character played by Shun Oguri who is immortal.

The track is also famous as the theme song for the feature-length anime 5 Centimeters per Second, and it conveys a bittersweet sentiment over the sound of an acoustic guitar.

The lyrics honestly express memories of the past and the regrets tied to them, as well as the pain of wishing for “just one more time,” even while knowing it can never come true.

The part about instinctively looking for someone’s figure somewhere—a feeling many can relate to—also heightens the sense of poignancy.

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kappamaki

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Over the RainbowYamazaki Masayoshi48rank/position

Over the Rainbow

In this commercial for the Colt, developed jointly with DaimlerChrysler, the memorable narration says, “Japan and Germany gave it serious thought,” and it proudly highlights the freedom to choose exterior colors and features.

The background music is the classic “Over the Rainbow,” covered by artists worldwide.

For this particular CM, a vocal version by Masayoshi Yamazaki was selected.

His warm voice and the relaxed, swing-like arrangement are wonderful.

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Hane Keisuke

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UpdraftYamazaki Masayoshi49rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki “Updraft” Official Lyric Video

The Pitatto House My Home Auction commercial “Manager Suzuki,” featuring Ryohei Suzuki.

Many viewers were likely moved by the passionate way he speaks about his dedication to customers.

The CM features Masayoshi Yamazaki’s song “Updraft.” Its lyrics, which inspire hope for the future, align perfectly with the concept of the commercial and the product.

If you listen to the full track and then watch the CM again, you’ll better grasp the deeper message and the intent behind its use.

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yamamoto

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