A roundup of JR Central commercials. The direction that conveys the allure of travel is captivating, and the music is also a highlight!
In addition to the Tokaido Shinkansen connecting Tokyo and Osaka, JR Central operates conventional railway lines in the Tokai region.
Many of you have probably used the Tokaido Shinkansen at some point, haven’t you?
JR Central’s commercials, many of which feature the Shinkansen, are actively broadcast.
In this article, we’ll introduce all of JR Central’s commercials that have aired so far.
The highlights are the commercials that capture the joy of travel, and we encourage you to pay attention to the music as you watch.
JR Central CM roundup: captivating presentations that convey the allure of travel, with music worth noting! (1–10)
JR Central “X’mas Express” 1988
Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” is a song released in 1983 that also drew attention when it was used as the CM song for JR Tokai’s winter-defining X’mas Express campaign.
While the lyrics convey a sense of loneliness, the sound carries a certain festive air that leaves a strong impression.
Elements like the inclusion of Pachelbel’s Canon in the interlude evoke images of Christmas joy and warmth in various ways.
Eri Fukatsu appears in the commercial, and together with the comical entrance of the person being awaited, it portrays the happiness of a couple.
JR Central 2003 tie-up song
This is the commercial that featured TOKIO’s “AMBITIOUS JAPAN!”, which was beloved as the Shinkansen onboard chime from its airing in 2003 through 2023.
TOKIO also appeared in the ad, and the footage of the members sprinting full speed alongside the Shinkansen left a strong impression, didn’t it?
JR Central: Yes, let's go to Kyoto. Autumn 2024 'Uji' edition.
“Let’s go to Kyoto in autumn.” This commercial, featuring famous autumn foliage spots in Uji, is part of JR Tokai’s “Let’s go to Kyoto” campaign.
Alongside an introduction to Uji—which in the Heian period was a retreat for aristocrats—the ad presents a series of beautiful, luxurious scenes.
Perhaps many viewers found themselves interested in visiting Kyoto in the fall after watching this commercial.
JR Central: “To Everyone We Want to See” (Version)Kento Kaku
The 2023 Christmas season JR Central commercial, “To Everyone You Want to See.” It begins with Kento Kaku boarding the Shinkansen as snow flutters down, and is packed with moving everyday reunion scenes of people meeting the ones they want to see at Christmas and year’s end.
The CM song is “Ai ni Ikou” (Let’s Go See Each Other) sung by UA, and this track really tugs at the heartstrings.
JR Central: Off to Nara, 'Horyu-ji' EditionRyohei Suzuki
This is a JR Tokai commercial that follows Ryohei Suzuki on a trip to Nara, conveying the joy of a journey that lets you feel history.
It emphasizes that it’s not enough to just know the information; actually seeing the buildings and Buddhist statues and sensing the history is important and makes it more compelling.
Through Suzuki’s gentle smiles during the trip and scenes of his interactions in each place, you can also feel how travel leads to relaxation.
Ryohei SuzukiJR Central: Off to Nara, 'Horyu-ji' Edition
This is a song specially written by Kaori Sawada for JR Central’s commercial “Iza Iza Nara.” Centered on piano with overlapping strings and vocals, the warm sound evokes the joy of travel as the calm atmosphere gradually turns lighter.
It has a jazz-inspired lightness while maintaining an overall gentle feel, which is soothing.
The commercial depicts Ryohei Suzuki’s journey to Nara, and its warmth is also expressed through autumnal Nara scenery and interactions with local people.
JR Central: Off to Nara – Kofuku-ji Temple EditionRyohei Suzuki
The commercial for “Iza Iza Nara,” JR Central’s tourism campaign for Nara Prefecture.
This time, it focuses on the area around Nara Park, including Kofuku-ji Temple.
It’s memorable to see Ryohei Suzuki fully enjoying Nara—viewing Buddhist statues, eating traditional Japanese sweets while looking out over gardens, and savoring Nara’s surprisingly abundant spice curries.
The beautiful cinematography is wonderful, so be sure to check it out!