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 famous songs recently featured in commercials, too! (1–10)
Right now, you’re shining brightlySaitō Tetsuo
Singer-songwriter Tetsuo Saitō, who gained popularity with songs that fuse down-to-earth, relatable lyrics and an appealing melodic sensibility.
His 10th single, “Ima no Kimi wa Pikapika ni Hikatte,” was originally composed only up to the chorus as a commercial jingle for Minolta’s entry-level SLR camera, the X-7, but thanks to the ad’s rising popularity it was released as a full-length track.
The scene of Yoshiko Miyazaki—who continues to thrive today as an actress and quiz queen—changing into a swimsuit captivates viewers, blending perfectly with the song’s fresh, dewy feel.
It’s a breezy pop tune that evokes the freshness of summer and is sure to stir nostalgia in those born in the Showa era.
Your eyes are 10,000 voltsHoriuchi Takao
This is a song released in 1978 by Takao Horiuchi, who had been active as a member of Alice, and it also marked his solo debut.
In the same year, it was featured in a Shiseido Benefique commercial and became a huge hit.
The lyrics express feelings for a dazzling, radiant woman, and Horiuchi’s passionate vocals along with the catchy melody line are part of its appeal.
Incidentally, the song’s strikingly impactful title was reportedly proposed by the Shiseido representative.
Hee, hee, hee, hee,EPO
This commercial shows Aoi Miyazaki, dressed in a spring-like outfit, dashing into McDonald’s to eat the Setouchi Lemon Tartar Bacon Teritama.
For many people, seeing the Teritama ads—McDonald’s spring tradition—may be a reminder of the changing seasons.
The familiar BGM is “U, Fu, Fu, Fu,” a song released by EPO in 1983.
Its lyrics, portraying the feelings of a composed, mature woman against a spring backdrop, are particularly memorable.
Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing classic hits recently featured in ads, too! (11–20)
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro
Tatsuro Yamashita is a singer-songwriter who has produced many hit songs as an iconic figure of Japanese city pop and has also showcased his talents by writing for other artists.
His 12th single, “Christmas Eve,” became a standard Christmas song known by virtually everyone in Japan after it was used in 1988—five years after its release—as the theme for JR Tokai’s Christmas Express commercials.
The song’s dreamy yet poppy sound, which adorned the heart-fluttering commercials depicting lovers reuniting, still heightens the sense of anticipation for Christmas when you listen to it today.
With its beautiful and catchy choral work, it’s a massive hit that you’ll want to hear every winter.
Chuo FreewayArai Yumi
Toyota’s 2011 commercial, Reborn “Departure,” featured Takuya Kimura as Oda Nobunaga and Takeshi Kitano as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, telling the story of them heading for Tohoku in a second-generation Crown.
The background music used in the ad was Yumi Arai’s “Chuo Freeway.” Written about the Chuo Expressway, the song’s gentle melody and tender vocals make it a perfect fit for a drive.
It also matches the ad’s Reborn theme, bringing back a classic masterpiece from 1976.
Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru
“Love Memory” is Shigeru Matsuzaki’s signature song and the one that propelled him to stardom.
It originally had a different title, but after being featured in a Glico Almond Chocolate commercial in 1977, it suddenly drew widespread attention.
The passionate lyrics, which express deep love for someone special, combined with Matsuzaki’s powerful vocals, make you feel your heart tremble when you listen.
Since its 1977 release, it has remained an enduring classic whose popularity has never waned.
You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira
One of Akira Fuse’s signature songs and often introduced as a classic of the Showa-era pop genre, “Kimi wa Bara yori Utsukushii” (You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose).
The soaring high notes that appear in the latter half of the chorus are especially exhilarating, and many listeners were likely captivated by Fuse’s expansive, resonant voice.
The song was featured in a Kanebo commercial in 1979, the same year it was released.
That commercial led to Fuse marrying Olivia Hussey, who appeared in the ad.