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)
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.
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.
foreignerKUBOTA Saki
Currently active under her real name Sayuri Kume and also known as a Christian musician, singer-songwriter Saki Kubota made her debut with the single “Ihōjin (The Strangers) – Theme of the Silk Road,” which was used in a Sanyo Electric color TV “Kukkiri Tate 7” commercial.
With the commercial being filmed in Afghanistan and reflecting contemporary trends, the song was released with arrangements that significantly departed from the original.
Its oriental, mysterious ensemble—paired with the commercial’s visuals—became a massive hit.
It remains an enduring masterpiece that continues to be covered by many artists today.
Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing classic hits recently featured in ads, too! (11–20)
Time, stop.Yazawa Eikichi
The single “Jikan yo Tomare” (Time, Please Stop), released in 1978, was created for a Shiseido Aquea Beauty Cake commercial that aired the same year.
The commercial features five women by the sea, perfectly matching the song’s lyrics, which depict a mature summer romance.
With Yazawa’s calm, dapper vocals resonating stylishly, it stands as a classic of the ’70s.
It has been covered by many artists over the years, so chances are you’ve heard it somewhere before.
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.
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.
bullseyeYamamoto Rinda
This is a commercial announcing UNIQLO’s 2025 Year-End Festival.
As Atsuto Uchida walks through a shopping street muttering, “I should probably buy some new clothes for the year-end and New Year,” a beckoning cat and Haruka Ayase appear.
With its right paw beckoning, the cat encourages him to head to UNIQLO.
The cute, catchy CM features an arranged version of Linda Yamamoto’s signature song ‘Neraiuchi’ as the BGM.
Released in 1973, the song is a staple at baseball games, and this commercial also uses a brass band performance of it.