[Nostalgic Commercials] A compilation of commercials that aired in the Showa era
TV commercials vary by era, and when you see them again after a long time, many of them feel nostalgic, don’t they?
In particular, from the 1970s to the 1980s—the latter part of the Showa era—many distinctive commercials were aired.
Catchphrases used in those ads were chosen as buzzwords, and songs featured in them became huge hits, making quite the splash in various ways.
In this article, we’ll introduce a whole collection of those nostalgic commercials from the Showa period.
They range widely from spots with a completely different flavor than today’s commercials to ones that have become enduring classics even now, so please take your time and enjoy.
- Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing famous songs recently featured in commercials, too!
- [Funny Commercials] Hilarious! Memorable Ads
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
- Catchy commercial jingles. A roundup of those songs grabbing attention in ads!
- Unforgettable! Memorable commercial jingles. Popular commercial songs.
- [Kansai Region Local] A compilation of local commercials broadcast in Kansai
- [From timeless classics to the latest hits] A roundup of catchy commercial songs
- Compilation of candy commercials: from the latest to nostalgic ones
- Nostalgic commercials from the 2000s: revisiting ads that left a lasting impression
- A must-see for people in their 30s and 40s! A roundup of nostalgic 1990s commercial jingles
- Funny commercial song. Popular funny commercial songs.
- Shampoo commercials: A roundup of popular products’ ads from each manufacturer
- [I want to hear it again!] Songs from Suntory commercials. Popular commercial jingles
Nostalgic Commercials: A Compilation of TV Ads from the Showa Era (51–60)
Mobil gasoline
This commercial shows people desperately pushing a car that’s run out of gas; it’s for Mobil Gasoline, the oil company that has since become ENEOS.
Two men keep walking along, pushing the car down a rough, natural road that isn’t really paved.
Along the way, one of them slacks off, blows dandelion fluff, knocks over a tree and goofs around, and they keep moving without any real sense of urgency.
What makes this heartwarming scene feel even more easygoing is the song playing in the background: Maki Maki’s “Take It Easy.” And the final narration, which casually reminds viewers that cars run on gasoline, adds to that laid-back vibe.
Mitsubishi Hi-Fi Video
This is the track used in a 1987 commercial for MITSUBISHI Hi-Fi Video.
It became a hot topic because Madonna, who was at the peak of global popularity, was hired as the image character.
The way Madonna casually appeared in the commercial gives the impression of a symbol of wealthy Japan during the bubble era.
This song was later used as an insert track for the TV drama “Shasho Taeko.”
Sato Pharmaceutical Yunker: “Do your best with Yunkerumba.”
This is a commercial for Sato Pharmaceutical’s Yunker Kotei-eki that aired in 1988.
When you think of Yunker commercials, you think of Tamori, who has served as the long-time face of the brand.
In it, Tamori trains a sea lion to do tricks while striking the same poses himself.
Both Tamori and the sea lion are adorable (lol).
The original jingle is kind of laid-back, and it really sticks in your head.
Public Service Announcement Organization: “Don’t throw things.”
This is a public service announcement that aired in 1984.
It features Kintetsu Buffaloes pitcher Keiji Suzuki.
The commercial shows a close-up of what appears to be an injured foot and proceeds as if speaking directly to the viewer.
It appeals to young people not to get discouraged or give up even when they’re injured, not to throw everything away.
That’s why the phrase is “Don’t throw it away!” (a play on words with “throw” in baseball).
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Oronamin C “Lively and Full of Energy!”
This is a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Oronamin C, known for the “Genki Hatsuratsu” catchphrase, which aired in the early 1980s.
It turns out they had been collaborating with the Yomiuri Giants since back then.
It’s a nostalgic ad that feels like a cheer for working people and office workers, with six players, not in uniforms but in suits, sprinting through the gaps between buildings.
Many of you may also remember Kon Omura’s closing line: “Oronamin C is a little giant.”