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)
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
Released in 1978, Momoe Yamaguchi’s “Ii Hi Tabidachi” was composed for a Japan National Railways commercial that aired the same year.
Shinji Tanimura wrote both the lyrics and the music, capturing the image of setting off on a journey at the end of winter, sung over a beautifully bittersweet melody.
The song became a major hit, selling over a million copies, and not only became one of Yamaguchi’s signature numbers, but also one of the defining tracks of the Showa-era pop scene.
Many people who lived through that time know it well, and even among younger generations, a great number are likely familiar with the song.
Heart of the blue sky (No me? More no!)Sazan Ōrusutāzu
In 1979, the MITSUYA CIDER commercial featured “Aoi Sora no Kokoro (No me? More no!).” The following year, it was released as the B-side of a single.
Southern All Stars have continued to appear in MITSUYA CIDER commercials, so there’s a long history between the band and the cider brand.
This “Aoi Sora no Kokoro (No me? More no!)” was created specifically for the commercial, and notably includes the word “cider” in its lyrics.
Its alluring vocal work set over a mid-tempo accompaniment is particularly captivating.
Dream FlowerEn Hiroshi
Hiroshi Madoka is a singer-songwriter who is widely beloved as a TV personality in the Kansai region.
His debut single “Musouka,” which was used in numerous commercials including Japan Airlines’ “COME TO AMERICA ’78,” is also known as his biggest hit.
The impactful, polyrhythmic refrain of the chorus is so catchy that it captivates viewers no matter what commercial it’s in.
Today, it’s often used in variety shows as well—a classic masterpiece from the Showa era.
A Member of the Fire Brigaderattsuandosutā
Rats & Star is a chorus group that gained popularity for their music steeped in Black music influences and a soulful singing style uncommon among Japanese artists.
After changing their name from Sharam Q to Rats & Star, their first single release, “Megumi no Hito,” became a massive hit as a Shiseido commercial song.
The lyrics, which evoke images of the summer beach, combined with the commercial’s visuals, heighten the anticipation for the hot season.
It’s a catchy pop tune known for its many cover versions, with an impactful signature phrase that makes you want to imitate it along with the choreography.
SWEET MEMORYSMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda is a singer-songwriter known as an indispensable figure in discussions of the Showa-era idol scene, even sparking social phenomena where her hairstyles became trends.
Sweet Memories, originally released as the B-side to her 14th single Glass no Ringo (Glass Apple), drew huge attention after being featured in a Suntory CAN Beer commercial and was later reissued as a double A-side single.
The commercial’s scene of a cute penguin drinking at a bar, paired with her bluesy yet adorable vocals, left a strong impression.
Even today, this emotional pop tune remains a live staple that continues to captivate fans.
Right now, you’re shining brightlySaitō Tetsuo
Singer-songwriter Tetsuo Saitō, who gained popularity with songs that fuse down-to-earth, relatable lyrics and an appealing melodic sensibility.
His 10th single, “Ima no Kimi wa Pikapika ni Hikatte,” was originally composed only up to the chorus as a commercial jingle for Minolta’s entry-level SLR camera, the X-7, but thanks to the ad’s rising popularity it was released as a full-length track.
The scene of Yoshiko Miyazaki—who continues to thrive today as an actress and quiz queen—changing into a swimsuit captivates viewers, blending perfectly with the song’s fresh, dewy feel.
It’s a breezy pop tune that evokes the freshness of summer and is sure to stir nostalgia in those born in the Showa era.
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro
Tatsuro Yamashita is a singer-songwriter who has produced many hit songs as an iconic figure of Japanese city pop and has also showcased his talents by writing for other artists.
His 12th single, “Christmas Eve,” became a standard Christmas song known by virtually everyone in Japan after it was used in 1988—five years after its release—as the theme for JR Tokai’s Christmas Express commercials.
The song’s dreamy yet poppy sound, which adorned the heart-fluttering commercials depicting lovers reuniting, still heightens the sense of anticipation for Christmas when you listen to it today.
With its beautiful and catchy choral work, it’s a massive hit that you’ll want to hear every winter.