[From timeless classics to the latest hits] A roundup of catchy commercial songs

JUMPImawano Kiyoshirō

Kiyoshiro Imawano – JUMP

This commercial showcases the journey of Nodogoshi from the cultivation of raw ingredients, through the manufacturing process at the factory, to distribution and in-store displays, all the way until it reaches our hands.

By featuring the people involved at each stage, it powerfully conveys the dedication of many individuals.

The background music is a brass arrangement of Kiyoshiro Imawano’s “JUMP,” adding a bright and festive tone to the commercial.

toad lily [Tricyrtis]Kuwata Keisuke

toad lily [Tricyrtis]

Haruka Ayase is smitten with a puppy on set; the commercial song is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Hototogisu [Toad Lily]” for UNIQLO’s TV commercial “Life and Wear / Kando Pants Edition.”

This commercial opens with Takahiro Miura giving his on-screen father, Ken Mitsuishi, a pair of “Kando Pants” and a single flyer as a 60th-birthday gift.

The flyer turns out to be for a rescue dog adoption event, and Mitsuishi heads there right away wearing his new pants.

At the event, he meets a dog that, in human years, is about the same age as he is, and they begin living together.

While showcasing the light, comfortable feel of the Kando Pants, the ad warmly depicts how a lighter heart can inspire someone to take a new step forward.

The background music is Keisuke Kuwata’s 2017 song “Hototogisu [Tricyrtis],” whose graceful melody and beautiful vocals gently seep into the heart.

Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love)Kuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love) (Full ver.)

UNIQLO LifeWear Commercial “Many Versions of Me” 30 seconds

It depicts a day in the life of Haruka Ayase, introducing the bralettes she wears in each scene.

From relaxing at home and having breakfast, to an important work moment, to fun after-work time—its message that every version of yourself in each scene is still wholly you really hits home.

The BGM features Keisuke Kuwata’s “Kanashii Kimochi (Just a man in love),” released in 1987 as his solo debut.

The song delicately portrays a man who can’t forget the woman he parted ways with.

Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love)Kuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love) (Full ver.)

Haruka Ayase strides briskly through the city in a bra top; the commercial song is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Kanashii Kimochi JUST A MAN IN LOVE.” UNIQLO TV commercial “Life and Wear / Bra Top Running Car Edition.”

Titled “Bra Top: Running Car,” this piece promotes that it can be worn not only as an inner layer but also as a top.

Haruka Ayase gets splashed by water from a passing car, but she takes off her shirt, ties it around her waist, and appears in just the bra top.

Her upbeat remark, “Well, I’ll be fine,” leaves a strong impression.

The BGM is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Kanashii Kimochi (Just a man in love).” Despite its refreshing sound, it’s actually a heartbreak song that expresses lingering feelings for an ex.

Distant Street Corner (The Wanderin’ Street)Kuwata Keisuke

Distant Street Corner (The Wanderin’ Street)

Haruka Ayase appears as a florist in an apron in UNIQLO’s new commercial “AIRism Inner,” featuring Keisuke Kuwata’s song ‘Tooi Machikado (The Wanderin’ Street).’

This commercial portrays the casual, everyday life of a cohabiting couple and introduces AIRism innerwear as a constant, everyday staple.

It shows them spending time together in a way that looks very happy, and combined with the gentle visuals, it’s a spot that makes viewers feel happy too.

Of course, the BGM also plays a role in enhancing that mood—the song is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Tooi Machikado (The wanderin’ street).” Released in 1988, it was also used in a Fujifilm commercial in the past.

Eternal BlueHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – Eternal Blue (Official Music Video)

NTT docomo iPhone 14 Commercial: 'Unshakable Youth' 30-Second Version

This commercial introduces the Action mode featured on the iPhone 14, with a theme centered on students’ youth.

It opens with footage shot while running using an iPhone 14, highlighting how Action mode keeps the video completely steady.

Playing on the idea of zero shake, the tagline “Youth, don’t waver” appears, making your heart swell.

The background music is “Eien no Blue,” a perfect match for the CM’s sense of speed.

Released by Hitsujibungaku in 2023, the song’s lyrics compellingly portray the struggles of adolescence.

Be sure to listen while following along with the lyric sheet.

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Hane Keisuke

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I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa

Thelma Aoyama feat. Soulja – I’m by Your Side (TOUR “DIARY” Live Ver.)

Soba ni Iru ne, Aoyama Thelma’s signature song released in 2008, was created as an answer song to SoulJa’s track Koko ni Iru yo and became a massive hit thanks to its relatable lyrics.

Many people may also remember that the song was featured in a NTT Docomo commercial at the time.

The CM portrayed the feelings of a female student about to enter high school, and those who were going through the same transition likely resonated strongly with it.

Fourteen years later, in 2022, Aoyama Thelma was once again featured in a Docomo commercial celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary, which also drew attention.

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Hane Keisuke

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