[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
- 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
- Funny commercial song. Popular funny commercial songs.
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
- Shampoo commercials: A roundup of popular products’ ads from each manufacturer
- [I want to hear it again!] Songs from Suntory commercials. Popular commercial jingles
- Commercials by Coca-Cola Japan: A collection of ads for popular products like Coke and I LOHAS.
[Nostalgic Commercials] Compilation of TV ads aired in the Showa era (21–30)
SUNTORY Canned Beer “Penguin” Version
A memorable SUNTORY canned beer commercial featuring penguin characters.
The penguins that appear are called the Pum Penguinz, created by art director Masatoshi Toda and illustrator Norio Hikone.
The CM in which a girl penguin sings Seiko Matsuda’s “SWEET MEMORIES” is famous, but many other versions featuring the Pum Penguinz were also produced.
In addition to “SWEET MEMORIES,” other CM songs included Agnes Chan’s “Snow Flakes” and Takashi Hosokawa’s “Hoshikuzu no Machi (Stardust in Your Eyes).” Thanks to the commercials’ popularity, character merchandise was sold and a film adaptation was also made.
Panasonic Radio Cassette Player RX-DT70
This is a commercial for Panasonic’s CD radio-cassette player RX-DT70.
It aired in 1988.
The way the boombox is described really gives it a strong sense of the era.
It seems to be a model that prides itself on deep bass; with the resonance of the bass, a robot jumps up and a brick wall collapses.
The robot itself looks very cute by today’s standards.
[Nostalgic Commercials] Compilation of commercials aired in the Showa era (31–40)
TOTO WashletJun Togawa
This is a commercial promoting TOTO’s innovative toilet feature, the Washlet.
It’s said that this ad helped make warm-water bidet toilet seats an essential part of everyday life.
The line about washing your hands with water when they get dirty—since no one would wipe paint off their hands with paper—and then asking, “So what about your bottom?” carries strong persuasive power.
Jun Togawa’s expressions and refined language are striking, and the commercial clearly conveys its message of getting people to think about the toilet.
Fujiya Milky
Since it features Peko-chan, the cute character who sticks out her tongue, it’s a commercial for Fujiya’s Milky.
It’s a candy that has been sold since 1951 and loved for decades.
Since 2000, various limited-time and regional flavors have also been released.
In a commercial that aired in the 1980s, when Peko-chan flies through the sky, a flower appears that pops out Milky candies one after another.
Peko-chan is delighted by the scene, but it turns out to be her dream.
It seems to express how Milky’s delicious taste can be enjoyed in many varieties without getting bored.
At the end, you can also hear the familiar catchphrase: “Milky is the taste of Mom.”
Kanebo IF-G
This commercial for Kanebo Cosmetics’ “If” features Akira Fuse’s signature song “You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose.” The woman leaning against a tree holding flowers and gazing intently at us is the British actress Olivia Hussey.
Her beauty is overwhelming—she’s a picture just by looking.
The tagline even tweaks the song title a bit.
She’s truly so beautiful that roses don’t even compare.
Even the casual gesture of plucking a single petal, like in a flower fortune-telling game, is lovely.
Seeing this makes you feel that if you use this cosmetics line, you might become as beautiful as Olivia, which really stirs the desire to buy.
House Foods Kukure Curry
This is a commercial that showcases the appeal of House Foods’ “Curry Kukure” set to a light, catchy tune.
The phrase “Osechi is good, but curry is nice too” drew attention, highlighting both the delicious taste and convenience that can be enjoyed even during the New Year holiday.
It’s not only a message for those who are tired of traditional osechi dishes, but also advice for people who don’t have time to cook.
The comical scene of a jubako (layered bento box) filled with Curry Kukure also conveys a sense of tasty familiarity that brings a smile.
House Foods Java CurryShinichi Chiba, Yoko Nogiwa
It’s a commercial styled like a drama starring Shinichi Chiba and Yoko Nogiwa that also highlights the flavor of Java Curry.
Because the settings where the two spend time—such as the seaside or a lakeside—are so refreshing, their smiles in those scenes reinforce the impression that Java Curry itself has a refreshing taste.
Since they appeared when they were married, the content also conveys a sense of affection.