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. Also featuring classic songs recently used in ads! (21–30)
Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu
Released in 1978, Chiharu Matsuyama’s “Kisetsu no Naka de” was featured in a Glico Almond Chocolate commercial.
In 1979, it also drew major attention when it was selected as the entrance march for the 51st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, making it a particularly prominent work in Matsuyama’s discography.
True to its folk roots, the song begins with a subdued vocal over acoustic guitar accompaniment, but the mood shifts dramatically at the chorus, where Matsuyama’s passionate voice rings out.
The dynamic contrasts make it highly engaging, so be sure to listen to the whole track.
The Tree of HitachiAsa Kōtarō, Hide Yuuki, Shingāzu Surī
The song “The Tree of Hitachi,” performed by singers Kotaro Asa and Hide Yūki along with the vocal group Singers Three, has been used as a commercial jingle for the Hitachi Group, including Hitachi, Ltd., since 1973, just as its title suggests.
Its catchy lyrics and melody—memorable after just one listen—play a major role as a CM song.
It’s a commercial tune that likely evokes nostalgia for everyone, with the image of the tree shown in the ads differing by generation, which itself conveys a sense of history.
Sekisui House SongSurī Gureisesu
Since their formation in 1985, Three Graces, a female vocal trio, have produced numerous commercial jingles.
True to its title, “The Sekisui House Song,” created for Sekisui House’s commercials, leaves a lasting impression with its lively ensemble and beautiful choral work.
It is still used today with changes to the lyrics and arrangement, so people across a wide range of demographics have likely heard its melody at least once.
With its catchy melody and phrases that instantly let you know which commercial it is, this is a jingle that has been used for many years.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
Takako Okamura’s “Yume wo Akiramenaide” (“Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams”) was released in 1987 and is one of her signature solo songs; she is also known as a member of Aming.
Written and composed by Okamura herself, it’s a breakup song that nonetheless conveys a powerful sense of encouragement to move forward.
It has become a staple as a motivational anthem and has been covered by various artists, which speaks to its popularity.
The song is used in a Tohoku Electric Power commercial, where its pairing with the visuals further highlights the determination to keep moving ahead.
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro
Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” is a song released in 1983 that also drew attention when it was used as the CM song for JR Tokai’s winter-defining X’mas Express campaign.
While the lyrics convey a sense of loneliness, the sound carries a certain festive air that leaves a strong impression.
Elements like the inclusion of Pachelbel’s Canon in the interlude evoke images of Christmas joy and warmth in various ways.
Eri Fukatsu appears in the commercial, and together with the comical entrance of the person being awaited, it portrays the happiness of a couple.
Original song
This is a commercial for the HATOYA Hotel, headquartered in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
It gained nationwide attention with the catchy phrase “If you’re going to Ito, go to Hatoya,” set to a light, upbeat sound.
The ad repeatedly highlights the phone number, and it’s memorable that the Hatoya hotels in Tokyo and Osaka share the same last digits as the one in Ito.
The layered chorus creates a fun atmosphere that strongly underscores Hatoya’s desire for guests to simply enjoy their travels.
While the song is the focus of the commercial, the detailed narration explaining the hotel’s appeal also conveys a sense of reassurance.
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
This commercial is presented as a circular-themed drama featuring Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori, expressing the importance of small acts of consideration when disposing of plastic bottles.
The story shows the three of them empathizing with various people, offering warm words that suggest a good future awaits those who practice proper sorting.
Further highlighting the drama’s positive, heartwarming atmosphere is the song “Mata Au Hi Made” by Kiyohiko Ozaki.
With its distinctive brass tones and brilliant sound, it evokes a bright, expansive feeling, as if the scenery is opening up before you.