[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)
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.
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.
Suntory RedReiko Ohara
This is a commercial for Suntory’s whisky “Suntory Red” that portrays the way a woman lives.
The phrase “Love me a little, love me long” drew attention.
Reiko Ohara plays a woman who is tossed about by the man she loves, and her endearing devotion, along with her small slip-ups, is truly charming.
By featuring Suntory Red in everyday scenes, the ad also conveys a wish for people to enjoy whisky as something familiar.
Reiko Ohara’s gentle smile also does a fine job of conveying how delicious Suntory Red is.
[Nostalgic Commercials] A Compilation of Commercials Aired in the Showa Era (11–20)
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.
Fujifilm Fujicolor N100 Let’s capture the New Year
The long-beloved Fuji Color staple commercial series “Let’s Photograph the New Year” dates back to 1966, when it first began airing.
From 1978, Kiki Kirin was cast in the commercials, and many people likely remember the Fuji Color ads in which she appeared.
Kinchō Tansu-ni-Gon: ‘A husband is best when he’s healthy and out of the house.’
A groundbreaking commercial featuring Masako Motai.
In this simple ad, the neighborhood women’s association chair announces the monthly password, and the housewives listlessly repeat it in unison.
That catchphrase—“It’s best when the husband is healthy and out of the house”—became a buzzword and served as fodder for various parodies on TV shows and in magazines.
It’s no exaggeration to say that anyone born in the Showa era would know it.
If social media had existed back then… the impact would have been absolutely explosive.
Ads in the same vein also featured Yasuko Sawaguchi and Masami Nagasawa.
Marudai Foods Chicken Hamburg Steak
This commercial introduces Marudai Foods’ signature product, their hamburger steak, and conveys a sense of heartiness and nutrition.
It stands out for its unique, fairy-tale-like world where a giant and children connect through hamburger steaks, accompanied by a cheerful song in the background.
The phrase “Grow big,” spoken by the giant wishing for the children’s growth, conveys both strength and warmth.
Overall, the ad emphasizes a pastoral atmosphere and evokes not only the deliciousness of the hamburger steak but also a sense of longing for the wider world.