[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)
House Foods Vermont Curry 1965 TV commercialAyumi Ishida
This is a commercial that conveys the rich flavor of Vermont Curry through a lively video depicting men chasing after a woman.
The key is the brisk, West Side Story-inspired movement, and Ayumi Ishida’s light steps also express a sense of exhilaration.
The song that firmly emphasizes this unique worldview and buoyant atmosphere is “The Vermont Curry Song,” sung by Ayumi Ishida.
With lyrics by Akiyuki Nosaka and music by Taku Izumi, it highlights the dedication to flavor with an upbeat rhythm and vocals.
Nostalgic Commercials: A Compilation of TV Ads from the Showa Era (51–60)
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Mobil gasoline
This commercial shows people desperately pushing a car that’s run out of gas; it’s for Mobil Gasoline, the oil company that has since become ENEOS.
Two men keep walking along, pushing the car down a rough, natural road that isn’t really paved.
Along the way, one of them slacks off, blows dandelion fluff, knocks over a tree and goofs around, and they keep moving without any real sense of urgency.
What makes this heartwarming scene feel even more easygoing is the song playing in the background: Maki Maki’s “Take It Easy.” And the final narration, which casually reminds viewers that cars run on gasoline, adds to that laid-back vibe.