Classic enka songs featured in commercials, along with original CM tracks, introduced together!
Enka singers sometimes appear in commercials, performing classic enka hits, covers of popular kayōkyoku songs, and even original tracks created just for the ads.
The distinctive melodic phrasing of enka and its powerful vocals make a striking impact—you can’t help but notice when they come on TV or your smartphone!
In this article, we’ll showcase enka used in commercials, along with original CM songs by enka artists—all in one place.
We’ve gathered a wide range of CM songs from different eras, so if a tune you heard in a commercial caught your ear, try finding it here.
Classic enka songs featured in commercials. We’re also introducing CM-original tracks! (1–10)
Original songYoshimi Tendo
When you hear “a commercial song sung by an enka singer,” isn’t this the first tune that comes to mind for many people? This is one of Yoshimi Tendo’s signature commercials; she began her singing career in 1970.
Tendo was cast in commercials for VC3000 throat lozenges starting in 1998, and the repeatedly sung phrase “Nametara akan” (“Don’t take it lightly”/“Don’t suck it carelessly”) became not only the product’s catchphrase but was also used as her own catchphrase.
It’s a commercial song with a powerful impact that sticks in your head after just one listen.
Original songMidori Oka
Singer Midori Oka appears in LULUON’s commercial for cosmetics formulated with hot spring water, where she showcases her singing voice.
Her memorable “Lu-lu-lu~” line, which plays on the product name, drew a lot of attention, as did the scenes of her soaking in a bath.
You like whisky, don’t you?Yoshie Nakano / Kaho Nakamura / Kaori Mochida
This is the song featured in Suntory’s commercial “Do You Like JAPANESE WHISKY?” that began airing in December 2024.
The song was originally released in 1991 by Sayuri Ishikawa under the name SAYURI and has been used in Suntory commercials for many years.
In this latest commercial, instead of the original, a cover version by Yoshie Nakano of EGO-WRAPPIN’, singer-songwriter Kaho Nakamura, and Kaori Mochida of Every Little Thing was used.
While Sayuri Ishikawa’s original is wonderful, this new rendition with its mature arrangement is also extremely captivating.
Bread Love Song of GinzaMidori Oka
In the commercial for the premium bread brand Ginza Nishikawa, Midori Oka appears, and she also performs the background music.
The song, titled “Ginza no Pan Koiuta” (Ginza Bread Love Song), incorporates classic enka elements, with an emotionally evocative melody that’s very pleasing to the ear.
The “pan pan, paaan” toward the end is also very catchy and memorable.
Clear Boogie-WoogieFuyumi Sakamoto, Takumi Kitamura
In the commercial for Asahi Beer’s Clear Asahi, Fuyumi Sakamoto appears alongside Takumi Kitamura, the vocalist of DISH//, showcasing their singing.
Titled “Clear Boogie-Woogie,” the song is a cover based on Shizuko Kasagi’s signature hit “Tokyo Boogie-Woogie.” While Clear Asahi has long featured this tune in its commercials, this version is arranged with a jazz flavor by Sakamoto and Kitamura.
You can also occasionally hear vocals with an enka-like quality, making it an enjoyable ad for enka fans as well.
I want to be called Ecorika-chan.Kaori Shiono
In the Ecorica commercial featuring Kazuo Tokumitsu, a song titled “I Want to Be Called Ecorica-chan” is used.
The song was composed by Taro Kida and sung by Kaori Shiono.
The lyrics talk about being a company that makes ink cartridges and about its recycling efforts, making it feel like a self-introduction for the company.
It follows a classic structure that builds from the A verse to the B verse before launching into the chorus, and that flow is superb, resulting in a very pleasant song to listen to.
Original songYuuki Tokunaga
Enka singer Yuuki Tokunaga, who became widely known for appearing on “Chidori no Oni Renchan,” has also appeared in a commercial and showcased his singing.
The commercial he appears in is for the Hyogo Prefecture Silver Human Resources Center Association, and the original song used as the BGM was written and composed by Tokunaga himself.
What’s more, it seems he not only sings but also plays the guitar.
His soft, gentle voice, which feels cleansing to the heart, leaves a lasting impression.