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)
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.
Song of the Blue CloudsMorita Kōichi
Koichi Morita is known as a composer who has provided songs for numerous artists and also served as a judge on the legendary audition program “Star Tanjō!” As the title suggests, “Seiun no Uta,” used as the commercial song for Nippon Kodo’s “Seiun,” is likely a tune that many people have heard at least once, even those not from the Showa generation.
The refreshing melody, carried by a warmly enveloping vocal, leaves a lasting impression together with the commercial’s imagery of kites soaring high in a long line across the sky.
Since 2020, it has remained a timeless CM song that drew attention again when rakugo performer Taihei Hayashiya became its new singer.
Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Featuring classic hits recently used in ads, too! (31–40)
Song of Milk Soap
This commercial promotes Cow Brand Soap, the company’s main product that’s also reflected in the name Cow Brand Soap Kyoshinsha.
The song used is “The Cow Brand Soap Song,” and its titular closing phrase has continued to appear in the commercials across generations.
The ad features animated scenes depicting interactions with cows, conveying a gentle atmosphere as a key point.
The soft tone of the vocals and visuals also clearly evoke the mild, pleasant feel of Cow Brand Soap on the skin.
From the Orange Village to Springririi
Lily’s “From Orange Village to Spring” is a song released in 1976, included as the B-side of “Ie e Oide yo” (“Come Home”).
Set to a gentle sound that evokes elements of country music, it portrays the calm scenery of a village.
The song’s rhythm has a buoyant lightness, and the overall gentle yet cheerful atmosphere conjures a sense of love for one’s hometown.
As a commercial jingle, it’s best known for being used in a Shiseido ad, where the music and visuals together depict the rising excitement as the season turns toward spring.
What was happiness again?Akashiya Sanma
Also known as the Comedy Monster and still active at the forefront of variety shows today, singer Sanma Akashiya.
“Shiawase tte Nandakke,” included as the B-side to his sixth single “Thank You,” was used as the commercial song for Kikkoman’s “Ponzu Shoyu,” in which he himself appears.
His husky vocals and the lyrical melody are the kind that make you stop and watch when they come on TV.
A catchy number that many in younger generations have likely heard as well, thanks to a remake of the commercial featuring Sanma Akashiya that aired in 2009.
Yodobashi Camera Song
Speaking of major electronics retailer Yodobashi Camera, that theme song you hear not only in their commercials but also in the stores really leaves an impression, doesn’t it? The song reportedly started airing in commercials in 1975, with the lyrics written by the company president at the time.
Listening to it gives you a kind of excited, upbeat feeling, but in fact it’s a parody song that uses the melody of the American folk tune “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” It’s said to have been used as a march as well, and its crisp, snappy melody is pleasing to the ear.
Wansaka GirlHirota Mieko
Singer Mieko Hirota, who was even called the Japanese R&B girl for releasing hit songs that covered Western music, recorded Wansaka Musume as a commercial song for the apparel company Renown, which closed its long history in 2020.
The song is praised as having “raised the level of Japanese commercial production to an international standard,” as it was the first Japanese commercial to win an advertising award overseas.
The commercial, featuring powerful vocals over animation, is memorable for its concept that fully emphasizes femininity.
It’s a gem of a commercial song that has been performed by numerous artists, including French singer Sylvie Vartan.