[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)
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.
Nostalgic Commercials: A Compilation of TV Ads from the Showa Era (51–60)
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.
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.
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).
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.
Sato Pharmaceutical Yunker: “Do your best with Yunkerumba.”
This is a commercial for Sato Pharmaceutical’s Yunker Kotei-eki that aired in 1988.
When you think of Yunker commercials, you think of Tamori, who has served as the long-time face of the brand.
In it, Tamori trains a sea lion to do tricks while striking the same poses himself.
Both Tamori and the sea lion are adorable (lol).
The original jingle is kind of laid-back, and it really sticks in your head.
Coca-Cola Japan
This is a Coca-Cola commercial from 1983.
The song “SING A SONG” is by Chiharu Matsuyama, who also appears in the ad.
He was a hugely popular young folk singer at the time and rarely appeared on TV, so his appearance in a commercial drew a lot of attention.
The contrast between his gentle, clean-toned singing voice and his masculine, freewheeling talk was captivating.
The catchphrase, “I’m a Coke guy,” perfectly captures his persona.