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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, too! (61–70)

Marugame Seimen Marugame Shake Udon / Mitsubishi Electric Kirigamine FX

Love Dial 6700Fingā 5

Finger Five’s “Koi no Dial 6700” is a song released in 1973 as their third single.

It topped the Oricon singles chart, and, as it was also chosen as the theme song for “Finger Five no Daibōken,” a feature in the Toei Manga Matsuri, it became beloved across generations.

With phrases themed around the sound of a ringing telephone and cute lyrics that evoke romance, the song conveys a bright, straightforward mood.

The light, catchy phone-ringing at the beginning has drawn particular attention, and it seems this part is often highlighted when the song is used in commercials.

Nidec—what even is Nidec, anyway? “Floating” edition

Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando

Downtown Boogie Woogie Band’s “Minato no Yōko, Yokohama, Yokosuka,” released in 1975, is an alluring track with a cool vibe.

It’s remembered for its distinctive structure—a powerful, guitar-riff-driven sound layered with spoken vocals.

The mentions of Yokohama and Yokosuka in the lyrics are also striking, and the song is beloved as a local anthem.

Thanks to its unique spoken delivery and handy, question-posing phrases, that aspect has been spotlighted and used in commercials, including for Nidec.

TEPCO Energy Partner “Summer 2019: Sa-Sa-Sa 3-Month New Unit Debut” Edition

Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii

Pink Lady’s “Nagisa no Sindbad” was released in 1977 and is known as one of their signature songs.

It topped Oricon’s year-end chart for 1977, and its frequent single reissues and tie-ins also attest to its popularity.

With a summer-themed feel, the song sets the life of a confident woman to a lively sound.

As a commercial jingle, it’s often paired with bright, cheerful visuals, and the song’s energy helps the overall impression feel positive.

Lake 'Jim' Version

The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi

The Season Given by the Sun — Aoi Sankaku Jōgi, 1972
The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi

Aoi Sankakujōgi’s “Taiyō ga Kureta Kisetsu” was released in 1972 and drew attention for being used as the theme song for the drama “Tobidase! Seishun.” With this song, they won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Record Awards and even appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, making it one of Aoi Sankakujōgi’s signature tracks.

The lyrics strongly evoke youth, expressing the struggles that come with being young, set to the gentle sound of folk music.

As for commercials, it has been used in spots like the Lake (consumer finance) ads featuring the comedy duo Chidori; its wistful melody is deliberately paired with comedic visuals to create a striking contrast.

Knorr 'Ii jan' Campaign

Cut me some slack!Koizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi’s “Please overlook it~.”
Cut me some slack!Koizumi Kyoko

As one of the celebrated “Hana no ’82 Nengumi,” singer Kyoko Koizumi enjoys immense popularity and continues to thrive as an actress today.

Her 29th single, “Minogashite Kureyo!” chosen as the image song for Knorr’s “Iijan Campaign,” features a catchy phrase that sticks in your head and makes you want to hum along.

The commercial set in an office, with Kyoko Koizumi singing, likely made a strong impression on many viewers at the time.

Its catchy choral parts make it an easy, poppy CM song for call-and-response at karaoke.

In conclusion

We introduced many catchy commercial jingles from the Showa era. The selection ranged from songs created solely for commercials to hit tunes that have been loved and listened to for years. I’d be delighted if not only those who feel nostalgic but also first-time listeners become interested in the music and the times of that era.