RAG MusicCM
Lovely commercial jingle

Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing famous songs recently featured in commercials, too!

From the Showa era to the present day, countless commercials have aired, and among them are many catchy jingle songs that you just can’t get out of your head.

In this article, we’ll introduce not only original CM songs that were frequently heard back then, but also classic Showa-era hits that have been featured in commercials over the years.

We’ve selected tracks not only from Showa-era commercials, but also songs that were newly used in ads during the Heisei and Reiwa periods.

For those who remember the time, it’s nostalgic; for younger listeners, it feels fresh.

We’ve put together a playlist you can enjoy, so please have a great time exploring it.

Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles: introducing classic hits recently featured in ads (51–60)

Sumitomo Trust

youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran

Koichi Morita and Top Gallant “Youthful Days” 1976 (original audio)
youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran

Koichi Morita and Top Gallant’s “Seishun Jidai” (Youthful Days) was released in 1976 and gained popularity for its skillful portrayal of the feelings of youth.

The group also performed the song on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it continues to be remembered as one of their signature tracks.

The sound has the light touch of group sounds, and the overlap between this buoyant feel and the youthful lyrics vividly evokes a fulfilling youth.

The song was also used in a Sumitomo Trust commercial, which gives the impression of aligning with the idea of building toward the future.

ANA Okinawa Campaign 1987

Dance, fish.Yamashita Tatsuro

Tatsuro Yamashita “Soubo (The Masses)” / “Odoroyo, Fish (Dance, Fish)” Music Video
Dance, fish.Yamashita Tatsuro

This commercial conveys the excitement of traveling and spending time in Okinawa through images of Yuriko Ishida enjoying the Okinawan sea.

With sunny skies, crystal-clear water, and her radiant smile layered over it all, it vividly and refreshingly portrays the fun of leisure and sports.

The song that further highlights the gentle exhilaration expressed in these visuals is Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Odoroyo, Fish” (“Let’s Dance, Fish”).

Its light rhythm paired with a soft, memorable melody, and the buoyant layering of sounds, all effectively communicate a sense of joy.

House Foods 'Cukure Curry'

Original song

This commercial promotes the appeal of House Foods’ Kukure Curry set to a light, lively tune.

The phrase “Osechi is great, but curry is, too” drew particular attention, highlighting the deliciousness and convenience you can enjoy even during the New Year holiday.

The comical shot of a jubako box filled with Kukure Curry conveys a sense of approachable, smile-inducing flavor.

The original song used in the ad is bright and catchy to match the commercial’s mood, and many people probably still find it stuck in their heads today.

Marudai Foods "Chicken Hamburg Steak"

Original song

This commercial introduces Marudai Foods’ signature product, their hamburger steak, and conveys a sense of hearty satisfaction and nutrition.

It features a unique, fairy-tale-like world where a giant and children connect through hamburger steaks, with a cheerful song playing in the background that drew a lot of attention.

The giant’s phrase wishing for the children’s growth, “Grow big,” carries both strength and warmth.

The scat singing “Hiri-hiri-fure, Hiri-ho” is especially memorable—many people probably find themselves humming along without thinking.

Yamaha Towny

Ngoma PartyWatanabe Sadao

Sadao Watanabe — Ngoma Party (1978)
Ngoma PartyWatanabe Sadao

This is a commercial where a construction worker, who happens to spot Sadao Watanabe riding a Yamaha Towny, can’t help but feel envious.

The way he observes every little detail with envy, and the confident way Watanabe responds, clearly conveys that this is a bike everyone admires.

The music used is Sadao Watanabe’s “Ngoma Party.” Its light, wind-instrument-infused sound is striking, and it perfectly evokes a refreshing, summery atmosphere.

With its structure that lets various instruments take turns in solo spots, the track exudes a joyful vibe.