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 (51–60)
Time, stop.Yazawa Eikichi
Eikichi Yazawa’s “Tokiya Tomare” (Stop, Time) was released in 1978 and is a highly popular song that has been covered by various artists.
An interesting point is that after the catchphrase “Stop, time” was decided, Shiseido set out to create a campaign song, which led to the request being made to Yazawa.
The gentle band sound layered with vocals that carry a touch of sadness conveys a sensual atmosphere.
Given its origins as a Shiseido campaign song, the structure strongly evokes images of romantic relationships, which leaves a striking impression.
My boyfriend is left-handed.Asaoka Megumi
Megumi Asaoka’s “My Boyfriend’s Left-Handed” was released in 1973 and is widely known as one of her signature songs.
With its cute lyrics expressing affection for a left-handed boyfriend, it became such a hit that it helped overcome the prejudice against left-handedness at the time.
The light band sound combined with her cheerful vocals clearly conveys a positive image.
Because of its bright atmosphere, it also works well as a commercial jingle and has been used widely, from fun, upbeat spots to more comical ones.
Love Dial 6700Fingā 5
Finger Five’s “Koi no Dial 6700” is a song released in 1973 as their third single.
It topped the Oricon singles chart, and, as it was also chosen as the theme song for “Finger Five no Daibōken,” a feature in the Toei Manga Matsuri, it became beloved across generations.
With phrases themed around the sound of a ringing telephone and cute lyrics that evoke romance, the song conveys a bright, straightforward mood.
The light, catchy phone-ringing at the beginning has drawn particular attention, and it seems this part is often highlighted when the song is used in commercials.
Lonely Tropical FishWink
Panasonic’s commercial opens with a striking image: someone holding a stereo as the earphones trailing from it glide smoothly through the air.
It symbolically portrays the ever-evolving ways we enjoy music.
The earphones seem to move with intent, dancing to the rhythm in space, expressing how sound stays close to us—free and weightless.
Coloring the spot is Wink’s classic hit “Lonely Tropical Fish.” The bittersweet yet pop sensibility of this quintessential 1980s track harmonizes beautifully with the stylish movements and aesthetic of the visuals.
The direction and music, evoking both nostalgia and freshness, remind us of the comfort of feeling connected to sound.
Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing classic hits recently featured in ads, too! (61–70)
Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
Downtown Boogie Woogie Band’s “Minato no Yōko, Yokohama, Yokosuka,” released in 1975, is an alluring track with a cool vibe.
It’s remembered for its distinctive structure—a powerful, guitar-riff-driven sound layered with spoken vocals.
The mentions of Yokohama and Yokosuka in the lyrics are also striking, and the song is beloved as a local anthem.
Thanks to its unique spoken delivery and handy, question-posing phrases, that aspect has been spotlighted and used in commercials, including for Nidec.
Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii
Pink Lady’s “Nagisa no Sindbad” was released in 1977 and is known as one of their signature songs.
It topped Oricon’s year-end chart for 1977, and its frequent single reissues and tie-ins also attest to its popularity.
With a summer-themed feel, the song sets the life of a confident woman to a lively sound.
As a commercial jingle, it’s often paired with bright, cheerful visuals, and the song’s energy helps the overall impression feel positive.
Cut me some slack!Koizumi Kyoko
As one of the celebrated “Hana no ’82 Nengumi,” singer Kyoko Koizumi enjoys immense popularity and continues to thrive as an actress today.
Her 29th single, “Minogashite Kureyo!” chosen as the image song for Knorr’s “Iijan Campaign,” features a catchy phrase that sticks in your head and makes you want to hum along.
The commercial set in an office, with Kyoko Koizumi singing, likely made a strong impression on many viewers at the time.
Its catchy choral parts make it an easy, poppy CM song for call-and-response at karaoke.
