[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 Commercials Aired in the Showa Era (11–20)
Taisho Pharmaceutical Lipovitan D “Swordfish Fishing” Version
This commercial showcases the power of Lipovitan D, which supports you when it really counts, by placing it in situations where strength is needed.
On a ship tossed by rough waves, accompanied by the familiar shout of “Fight! Ippatsu!” they reel in a gigantic marlin.
By clearly showing just how big it is, you can really feel that the power has been unleashed.
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.
Maxell video cassette: “Art is an explosion.”Taro Okamoto
Taro Okamoto’s phrase “Art is an explosion,” which is now incredibly famous, actually first appeared in a Maxell commercial.
It had a simple setup: Okamoto, dressed in a white suit, playing a white piano with intensity, and then delivering that line—but the impact was tremendous, wasn’t it?
Weekly Shincho
This is a straightforward commercial announcing that this week’s issue of the weekly magazine Shukan Shincho, published by Shinchosha, is now on sale.
Set to a lighthearted soundtrack, the simple visuals show Rokuro Taniuchi’s cover art without mentioning the contents, which actually piques your curiosity about what’s inside.
The lively voice of a child telling you it’s on sale is also an important touch that conveys warmth.
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.
Yamaha TownySadao Watanabe
This is a commercial where a construction worker, who happens to spot Sadao Watanabe riding a Yamaha Towny, can’t help but feel envious.
The way he observes every little detail with envy, and the confident way Watanabe responds, clearly conveys that this is a bike everyone admires.
The music used is Sadao Watanabe’s “Ngoma Party.” Its light, wind-instrument-infused sound is striking, and it perfectly evokes a refreshing, summery atmosphere.
With its structure that lets various instruments take turns in solo spots, the track exudes a joyful vibe.
[Nostalgic Commercials] Compilation of TV ads aired in the Showa era (21–30)
Fumakilla Kadan
This commercial introduces Fumakilla’s Kadan, which helps prevent pests and plant diseases—the headaches of growing flowers.
It uses a light, catchy song to show which pests appear and how they affect plants, creating a memorable contrast between the breezy tone and the unpleasant subject matter.
By describing a variety of symptoms, it also conveys confidence that the product can reliably prevent them.