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.
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
- [Nostalgic Commercials] A compilation of commercials that aired in the Showa era
- A must-see for people in their 30s and 40s! A roundup of nostalgic 1990s commercial jingles
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- Catchy commercial jingles. A roundup of those songs grabbing attention in ads!
- Heartwarming nostalgic commercial jingles: a special collection of timeless hits that take you back.
- [I want to hear it again!] Songs from Suntory commercials. Popular commercial jingles
- Western songs from the 90s featured in commercials. A roundup of CM songs.
- Nostalgic commercials from the 2000s: revisiting ads that left a lasting impression
- [Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials
- [From timeless classics to the latest hits] A roundup of catchy commercial songs
- Funny commercial song. Popular funny commercial songs.
- Classic enka songs featured in commercials, along with original CM tracks, introduced together!
Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles: introducing classic hits recently featured in ads (51–60)
To say goodbyebiriibanban
Billy BanBan’s “Sayonara o Suru Tame ni” (“To Say Goodbye”) is a song released in 1972 as the theme for the TV drama “3-Chome 4-Banchi.” Thanks to this song, they made their first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it was even included in music textbooks, making it one of Billy BanBan’s signature tracks that garnered attention in many ways.
Its gentle, characteristically Billy BanBan sound and poignant lyrics themed around farewell make it especially appealing.
As a commercial jingle, it was used in ads for Sanwa Shurui’s iichiko shochu, where the expansive sound underscores and promotes the depth of iichiko.
As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira
Akira Nishikino’s “Sora ni Taiyō ga Aru Kagiri” was released in 1971 and has long been sung as one of his signature songs.
It’s a popular track—he even performed it on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen—and it’s often featured in nostalgic music specials, so it’s known across generations.
With a calm yet powerful sound that embodies classic kayōkyoku, the gentle lead vocal layered with chorus conveys a warm, uplifting positivity.
The recurring phrase “as long as there is [X]” stands out, and the song has sometimes been adapted into parody lyrics for commercials.
That familiarity, along with its approachable feel, seems to be a key part of its enduring appeal.
Sexual Violet No. 1Kuwana Masahiro
Masahiro Kuwana’s “Sexual Violet No.
1” was released in 1979 and is one of his signature songs.
The lyrics have a sexy vibe, seemingly singing about a man–woman relationship, and combined with the guitar-driven, powerful sound, they convey a unique, forceful image.
One reason the song became a hit was its use in a Kanebo commercial, which is said to have boosted Kuwana’s popularity.
The structure, with the title repeated in the chorus, leaves the song name firmly imprinted in your mind.
Time, stop.Yazawa Eikichi
Eikichi Yazawa’s “Tokiya Tomare” (Stop, Time) was released in 1978 and is a highly popular song that has been covered by various artists.
An interesting point is that after the catchphrase “Stop, time” was decided, Shiseido set out to create a campaign song, which led to the request being made to Yazawa.
The gentle band sound layered with vocals that carry a touch of sadness conveys a sensual atmosphere.
Given its origins as a Shiseido campaign song, the structure strongly evokes images of romantic relationships, which leaves a striking impression.
My boyfriend is left-handed.Asaoka Megumi
Megumi Asaoka’s “My Boyfriend’s Left-Handed” was released in 1973 and is widely known as one of her signature songs.
With its cute lyrics expressing affection for a left-handed boyfriend, it became such a hit that it helped overcome the prejudice against left-handedness at the time.
The light band sound combined with her cheerful vocals clearly conveys a positive image.
Because of its bright atmosphere, it also works well as a commercial jingle and has been used widely, from fun, upbeat spots to more comical ones.