[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] A Compilation of TV Ads from the Showa Era (41–50)
Onoden
This is a commercial for Onoden, an electronics retail store in Akihabara, Tokyo.
Since it’s a Tokyo shop, people from other regions might not be very familiar with it, but it seems a character parodying Onoden’s mascot, Onoden Boy, appears in the anime Sgt.
Frog (Keroro Gunso)! Set to a bright, resonant vocal, the commercial is primarily animated.
Onoden Boy rides a vacuum cleaner and zips around through various home appliances.
By the way, the singer is Noko Inoko, known for performing many commercial jingles.
It ends with Onoden’s catchphrase, “All kinds of electronics—Akihabara Onoden,” sung to its distinctive melody.
Nostalgic Commercials: A Compilation of TV Ads from the Showa Era (51–60)
Kanebo Cosmetics Fitnet Eye
It’s surprising to think that in the Showa era, the major cosmetics company Kanebo actually released a product for drawing eyebrows in soft purple—something unimaginable in the Reiwa era.
They featured Shizuka Kudo, who was hugely popular at the time.
She has a long, slim face, but her plump cheeks give a youthful impression.
Purple eyeshadow with thick purple brows, pearly whitish lips, and long one-length hair—all of it was cutting-edge fashion back then.
Sapporo Beer
This is a Sapporo Beer commercial that portrays someone quietly facing their beer without unnecessary words.
The phrase “Men should be silent and drink Sapporo Beer” conveys the company’s desire for people to simply taste it first.
Toshiro Mifune’s expressions are another highlight, communicating the beer’s deliciousness as his face turns into a smile while savoring Sapporo.
The way the bottle is opened, the beer is poured, and even the typography together express a sense of boldness throughout the ad.
The moment he blows away the foam clinging to his lips comically conveys a flavor you can get completely absorbed in.
Sapporo Draft Beer in a Can
Around 1988, Cyndi Lauper was featured in a commercial for Sapporo Draft Beer in a can.
During the height of the bubble economy, it was popular to use major international musicians—such as Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Stevie Wonder—in commercials.
The CM song “Hole in My Heart” is crafted as an Asian-flavored track brimming with exotic atmosphere.
Nintendo Famicom Wars
This commercial expresses the rising excitement for the release of Nintendo’s title Famicom Wars.
From the repeated cadence calls of the drill instructor, it’s immediately clear that the motif is inspired by the film Full Metal Jacket.
The straightforward chant phrases that convey pure anticipation, along with the synchronized, distinctive rhythm, make it stick in your ears.
It’s also striking that it’s a pre-release ad that doesn’t use footage from the game itself, which really communicates the message: just play it and see for yourself.
Public Service Announcement Organization: “Don’t throw things.”
This is a public service announcement that aired in 1984.
It features Kintetsu Buffaloes pitcher Keiji Suzuki.
The commercial shows a close-up of what appears to be an injured foot and proceeds as if speaking directly to the viewer.
It appeals to young people not to get discouraged or give up even when they’re injured, not to throw everything away.
That’s why the phrase is “Don’t throw it away!” (a play on words with “throw” in baseball).
Nippon Ham Swift Loaf
This is a commercial where Mr.
Chū Arai—who was also a member of The Drifters—promotes Nippon Ham’s dedication to deliciousness embodied in their Swift Loaf.
The simple footage of the Swift Loaf being sliced and shown to the viewer conveys a straightforward message: we want you to try it first.