[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 (31–40)
Meiji Chelsea
Meiji’s candy “Chelsea,” inspired by Scottish sweets, is known for its striking floral illustrations in pink and green on a black background.
The familiar song from the Chelsea commercials is called “Chelsea no Uta,” and it was first performed by the female duo Simons.
It was later sung by various artists, including Saori Minami and Junko Yagami, and in the 1985 commercial broadcast, Agnes Chan provided the vocals.
The line spoken by a foreign girl appearing in the commercials aired during the Showa era—“Anata ni mo Chelsea agetai” (“I want to give you Chelsea, too”)—became a major talking point at the time.
SONY Walkman “Monkey’s Meditation”
Sony’s Walkman is a product that has continued to be loved, even as its form has changed.
This is a commercial for a cassette-tape Walkman that aired in 1987.
The image of a Japanese macaque pressing earphones to its ears and carefully holding the Walkman with both hands while listening intently to music is very striking, and it was a hot topic at the time.
The slight blinking and other subtle movements make it feel as if it’s truly absorbed in the music.
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.
Fujicco Pickle 100 Selections
This commercial portrays a woman working under stress and recommends taking a relaxing moment with Fujicco’s pickles.
By contrasting her hardworking demeanor with her at-home self, it effectively conveys the importance of relaxation.
It also suggests a story where the promise of delicious pickles waiting at the end of the workday helps her power through each day.
The smile she shows while eating the pickles directly communicates both their tastiness and their familiar, approachable presence.
[Nostalgic Commercials] A Compilation of TV Ads from the Showa Era (41–50)
Fujifilm Fujicolor Print: “If not… it will come out accordingly.”
Speaking of Kirin Kiki, what comes to mind are the Fujicolor commercials.
It’s a long-running series of ads.
This one aired in 1980.
The banter between a woman who comes to have her matchmaking photo printed and the shop clerk is amusing, and the line, “The beautiful will be made more beautiful, and those who aren’t will be made accordingly,” is comical and memorable.
It’s a fun commercial that feels like watching a short sketch.
Nissin Demae Iccho
The Nissin “Demae Iccho” commercial, famous for the catchphrase “A~rayo, Demae Iccho,” aired a version in 1983 that showed a growing boy eating Demae Iccho.
The jingle, created by Eiichi Ohtaki, cheered on the boy as he ate heartily and grew up.
It carries the wish that by eating lots of Demae Iccho and absorbing the nutrition from the sesame in it, he’ll grow up strong and healthy.
The commercial closes with the timeless, familiar catchphrase.
By the way, that phrase was created by Taro Kida!