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[Western Music] Commercial Songs I Often Hear Recently [2026]

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

The rule that a song becomes popular after being featured in a commercial hasn’t changed, past or present.

When a song is used in a well-received commercial and goes viral along with it—that’s a classic winning pattern.

For those who want to quickly check out these talked-about CM tracks, this article introduces Western songs featured in buzzworthy commercials!

With foreign songs, it can be hard to figure out the track when you don’t understand the lyrics—but we generally include both the actual commercial footage and the song’s music video, so it should be easy to check.

We update this article regularly with the latest information, so be sure to bookmark it!

[Western Music] Commercial Songs I've Been Hearing a Lot Lately [2026] (131–140)

Suntory Kinmugi “Perfect Afternoon” Edition

Bittersweet SambaHerb Alpert

Bittersweet Samba

Bittersweet SambaHerb Alpert

Kinmugi “Perfect Afternoon” 15-second spot featuring Yutaka Takenouchi | Suntory commercial

This is a Kin-Mugi commercial featuring Yutaka Takenouchi attaching bamboo blinds to the window to create a cozy, summer-only spot.

The couple toasts with Kin-Mugi, praising the comfort as “perfect,” and it’s absolutely lovely.

It’s a commercial that makes you want to spend such peaceful moments yourself.

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Osaka Ohsho “The Unforgettable Man” Edition - Gyoza with Crispy Wings + Stamina Meat Gyoza

Bagatelle En MineurFranz Gordon

Franz Gordon – Bagatelle En Mineur

Bagatelle En MineurFranz Gordon

Have you seen the Osaka Ohsho commercial “The Unforgettable Man”? Karina appears in it, giving a powerful performance as a woman who gets dumped by a man who won’t let her eat gyoza.

The serious tone actually makes it funny, doesn’t it? The piece playing in the ad is Bagatelle en Mineur.

It’s a track by Franz Gordon, featuring a beautiful piano solo.

Through the lens of the commercial the humor takes center stage, but when you listen to it on its own, the tone is soothing.

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Samurai Mac: Challenge to Space

20TH CENTURY BOYT-REX

20TH CENTURY BOY

20TH CENTURY BOYT-REX

Takako Tokiwa & Masato Sakai McDonald’s Samurai Mac “Challenge to Space” TV commercial

T.

Rex is a British rock band that was active primarily in the 1970s under the leadership of Marc Bolan and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

Their song “20th Century Boy,” used as the CM song for McDonald’s Samurai Mac “Challenge to Space,” is also known as the theme song for the film 20th Century Boys.

Its simple yet unforgettable introductory guitar riff and distinctive vocals continue to captivate rock fans to this day.

Covered by numerous artists, including many in Japan, it remains a classic in rock history.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Kirin Beer Greens Free “Happy Non-Alcohol Sato-san” Version

Uptown GirlBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Uptown Girl (Official Video)

Uptown GirlBilly Joel

Greens Free: Happy Non-Al Sato-san Version, 15 seconds

This commercial conveys, through Shiori Sato’s reflections on her memories, that with Greens Free you can enjoy a special taste even without alcohol.

It unfolds like looking back at memories through photographs, and her full-on smile—perfectly in step with Greens Free—really brings out the fun.

The song that further highlights the cheerful mood of the visuals is Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl.” Its buoyant, light rhythm is striking, evoking a happy image of everyday life becoming more colorful and enjoyable.

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Issey Takahashi, Yuya Yagira

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Monty Python – Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life (Official Lyric Video)

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

This series of commercials, set in various scenes like a foot reflexology massage, a batting center, and an escalator, all convey the message that Recruit Agent is recommended for career changes.

Many viewers were likely drawn in by the subtly surreal atmosphere each spot has.

The background music is an arranged version of “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by the British comedy group Monty Python.

The song was created as the theme for the 1979 film Monty Python’s Life of Brian, and it’s popular overseas as a choral piece.

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Kirin Beverage FIRE ONEDAY BLACK “Tastes great even at room temperature” version

To Feel The FireStevie Wonder

KIRIN FIRE ONEDAY Black TV commercial 'Still Tastes Good at Room Temperature' 15 seconds

This commercial promotes the fact that FIRE’s ONEDAY Black stays delicious even at room temperature, a state often associated with a drop in flavor.

Because the taste lasts, it supports you solidly throughout the day, helping you push forward with strength—depicted through the presence of Kenta Kiritani.

The song that underscores the power of this footage, which portrays such hard work, is the familiar series theme, “To Feel The Fire.” Its blend of gentle instrumentation and vocals that gradually build in intensity is striking, conveying a passion that slowly heats up the heart.

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Kirin Beverage FIRE “Winter Plateau” Edition

When A Man Loves A WomanPercy Sledge

When a Man Loves a Woman (2000 Remaster)

When A Man Loves A WomanPercy Sledge

Yuriko Ishida’s words touch the heart. FIRE commercial: “Winter Hilltop” edition

This commercial features Yuriko Ishida offering words of appreciation to everyone who works.

When she looks into the camera and says things like “Don’t push yourself too hard” and “Thank you—great job,” it feels as if she’s speaking directly to you.

The BGM is Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman,” with its soulful vocals tracing a sweet melodic line.

Just listening to the melody is enough to calm the heart, but once you read the lyrics—expressing a man’s straightforward love for someone precious—you’ll be moved even more, without a doubt.

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