[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 TV Ads from the Showa Era (41–50)
Marudai Foods Loin Ham
This is a TV commercial from Marudai Foods that wishes for children to grow up, set in a world like a drama or movie.
The phrase “It’s okay to be mischievous; I want you to grow strong” drew particular attention.
The ad depicts adults and children in outdoor scenes and showcases ham eaten during break time, with hearty slices sizzling over a campfire that look especially appetizing.
The structure—children smiling as they take on various outdoor activities, and adults watching with warm smiles—conveys a family-like warmth throughout the commercial.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Oronamin C “Lively and Full of Energy!”
This is a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Oronamin C, known for the “Genki Hatsuratsu” catchphrase, which aired in the early 1980s.
It turns out they had been collaborating with the Yomiuri Giants since back then.
It’s a nostalgic ad that feels like a cheer for working people and office workers, with six players, not in uniforms but in suits, sprinting through the gaps between buildings.
Many of you may also remember Kon Omura’s closing line: “Oronamin C is a little giant.”
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.
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.
Mitsubishi Hi-Fi Video
This is the track used in a 1987 commercial for MITSUBISHI Hi-Fi Video.
It became a hot topic because Madonna, who was at the peak of global popularity, was hired as the image character.
The way Madonna casually appeared in the commercial gives the impression of a symbol of wealthy Japan during the bubble era.
This song was later used as an insert track for the TV drama “Shasho Taeko.”
Meiji Seika: Kinoko no Yama / Takenoko no Sato
The Meiji chocolate snack commercials for Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato feature charming animal characters that match each product.
The playful tone of the visuals and the touch of melancholy in the music give the ads a warm, folkloric feel.
This series of commercials featuring the tanuki and pig characters also promoted three products, including Suginoko Mura, which was discontinued in 1988.
As you enjoy Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato, why not take a moment to remember Suginoko Mura as well?
Takeda Pharmaceutical – Benza Ace: “Colds are a nuisance to society.”
This is the 1983 TV commercial for Takeda Pharmaceutical’s cold medicine, Takeda Benza Ace D tablets, titled “A Cold Is a Nuisance to Society.” It features three performers from very different fields: Marian, Seiroku Saito, and Masatoshi Nakamura.
The lines seem scripted, yet for some reason they come out haltingly, even prompting laughter.
It feels like a commercial with an improvised vibe, doesn’t it? The jingle is an original CM song composed by Yasuo Higuchi.