[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] Compilation of Commercials Aired in the Showa Era (1–10)
Maruzen Oil: Oh! Moretsu
Hearing the name Maruzen Sekiyu might not ring a bell for younger generations, but many people recognize Cosmo Oil.
Today’s Cosmo Oil was formed by the merger of Maruzen Sekiyu, Daikyo Sekiyu, and the former Cosmo Oil.
In a commercial for Maruzen Sekiyu’s leaded premium gasoline “Maruzen Gasoline,” a woman dressed as a slightly sexy race queen appears.
She is Rosa Ogawa, who was active as a model and actress.
After speeding along with the wind, she uttered the sexy phrase “Oh! Mōretsu,” which became a huge talking point.
The phrase later influenced other commercials and even the title of a Crayon Shin-chan movie, becoming a line that stuck in many people’s minds for years.
Renown
This is a commercial that promotes the apparel maker “Renown” with a light, breezy vibe.
The CM song ‘Wansaka Musume’ is well-known, and it really conveys the excitement of dressing up in stylish fashion.
The light-footed dance that goes with the song is also memorable, lively capturing the fun of fashion.
While the name Renown and the high energy come across, by deliberately not depicting anything else, it leaves viewers wondering what kind of company it actually is.
Maruman H&B Smoking Cessation Paipo
This is a commercial for Maruman H&B’s smoking-cessation aid “Kin’en Paipo.” It features testimonials from people who successfully quit smoking using the product, and it’s unique in that the final testimonial has nothing to do with quitting smoking.
That last line, “I quit my company because of this,” was selected for the Popular Award in the Buzzwords of the Year Awards in 1985, and it’s said that even children who didn’t understand its meaning imitated it.
The indescribable expression as he gazes at his raised pinky finger also draws attention, along with the phrase.
[Nostalgic Commercials] A Compilation of Commercials Aired in the Showa Era (11–20)
House Foods Vermont Curry: “Hideki, I’m thrilled!”
The TV commercial for House Foods’ Vermont Curry that aired in the 1970s.
It’s a product that still exists, and they still run commercials for it, right? Among the many versions over the years, Hideki Saijo served as the image character from 1973 to 1985—an impressive 13 years.
And of course, “Hideki, kangeki!” is a catchphrase that will go down in history.
I think it’s a commercial that deserves its place in history.
Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Regain ‘Badge of Courage’
This is the “Mark of Courage” series of commercials that became a hot topic for the catchphrase “Can you fight for 24 hours?”—which even became a buzzword at the time—featuring actor Saburo Tokito appearing as “Ushiwakamaru Saburota” in an Ushiwakamaru costume.
The CM was so popular that a CD was even released under the name Ushiwakamaru Saburota.
You could say this was also the point where the cool actor Saburo Tokito began to take on a more comical, lighthearted image.
TOTO Washlet TV Commercial 1982Jun Togawa
This commercial introduces what a washlet is, with Jun Togawa talking about the thoughts behind it.
It suggests that just as it’s natural to wash your hands with water when they get dirty, you should rinse rather than wipe with paper.
The depiction of paint being applied to a hand and then wiped with paper clearly conveys the necessity of washing.
Yoshinoya: “Tomorrow will be a home run.”
This commercial showcases Yoshinoya’s history and dedication through song, set against the cherished catchphrase “Fast! Tasty! Cheap!” It ends with a scene of bringing a treat home for a child, and the line “You did it, Dad—tomorrow I’ll hit a home run” highlights the joy of getting to eat Yoshinoya.
With even a young baseball player delighted, the ad conveys a sense of supporting energy and vitality.