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, too! (11–20)
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.
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.
I can surely say that.Arai Yumi
Rina Uchiyama appeared in Asahi Soft Drinks’ Umacha commercials, and one of the ads that aired in 2002 featured Yumi Arai’s song “Kitto Ieru.” Many people likely remember the spot where the song plays over refreshing footage of Uchiyama playing badminton.
The track was released as a single in 1973 and is also included on the album Hikoki-gumo (A Flying Cloud).
The lyrics portray a woman who is about to confess a love she’s kept in her heart, and many listeners may relate to her mustering the courage to take that first step.
HERO (The time to become a hero is now)Kai Band
In a commercial for Hattori Tokeiten featuring members of the Kai Band, their song “HERO (When You Become a Hero, The Time Is Now)” was used as the VFM.
Hattori Tokeiten was the predecessor of today’s Seiko.
This song, which later became one of their signature tracks, became a massive hit thanks to this commercial.
In fact, there’s a story that the ad was broadcast simultaneously on multiple TV stations at exactly midnight on January 1, 1979.
It was an incredibly impactful promotion—something almost unimaginable today.
awakeningIju Kayo
When it comes to Nescafé Gold Blend commercials, this song—famous for its “dabada”—is the one that comes to mind.
Used for many years since the Showa era, the song is titled “Mezame” (“Awakening”) and is sung by Kayo Iju.
The repeated “dabada” in the song is a vocal technique called scat, and when you think of Japanese songs that use scat, “Mezame” is likely the first to pop into your head.
Its beautiful melody is striking, and it remains one of the Showa era’s classic tunes that many people still remember.
Good Time for LoveWatanabe Sadao
When it comes to UCC commercials from the Showa era, many people probably think of the one featuring Sadao Watanabe—better known as Nabe-Sada.
He looks so relaxed, dapper, and cool in it.
The background music for the commercial uses his track “Good Time for Love.” Released in 1986, the song moves at a medium tempo with a ska and reggae vibe.
It’s incredibly pleasant to listen to—a relaxing tune that makes you want to gently sway your body.
Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Also featuring classic songs recently used in ads! (21–30)
Mirage ThemeGodaigo
This song was produced as the commercial theme for Mitsubishi Motors’ Mirage and released in 1977.
In addition to the Mirage commercial, it was also chosen as the theme song for the Mirage Bowl, an American football tournament.
The lyrics are entirely in English, and at first listen you might mistake it for a track by a Western artist.
It’s crafted as a friendly, pop-leaning rock song that incorporates piano sounds.
It’s a track I’d recommend to fans of Western rock from the ’70s to ’80s.