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.
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JR Central TV commercials roundup: captivating direction that conveys the allure of travel, with music worth noting! (11–20)
JR Central Tokaido Shinkansen – New Train N700S
This is a commercial announcing that the N700S will debut as a Tokaido Shinkansen train starting in July 2020.
It features dynamic footage of the N700S racing swiftly along the tracks—imagery that should be especially exciting for Shinkansen enthusiasts.
The background music is Queen’s classic 1978 hit “Don’t Stop Me Now,” an upbeat track that leaves listeners feeling refreshed.
JR Central: Off to Nara — “The Four Temples of Yamato” EditionRyohei Suzuki
This is a commercial from the “Iza Iza Nara” tourism campaign in Nara Prefecture by JR Central.
In the “Yamato Four Temples” version, Ryohei Suzuki visits Hase-dera in Nara, captured in beautiful visuals.
It’s a spot that makes you rediscover Nara’s charms and think, “I didn’t know there was a place like this in Nara!”
JR Central: Off we go to Nara — “Yoshino” editionRyohei Suzuki
In the TV commercial for Izai-za Nara that aired in the fall of 2022, the Yoshino area in southern Nara Prefecture was featured.
Starting from Kinpusenji Temple, it showcases Yoshinoyama’s gourmet spots and even the Hanayagura Observatory, tightly packing in the charms of Yoshino.
Just as the narration says, “Nara is interesting because you go,” the footage is crafted to make you think, “I want to visit.”
JR Central “Hometown Express (Xmas Edition)”
When it comes to this exceptionally famous song, explaining it almost feels unnecessary.
Among the works of the genius musician Tatsuro Yamashita, this is one of the most popular, and as the nationally beloved Christmas song “Christmas Eve,” it first appeared on the 1983 album MELODIES.
It was released as a single the same year and became a long-running hit.
A few years later, in 1988, it was used in a JR Tokai commercial featuring Eri Fukatsu, who was 15 at the time, which propelled it to nationwide recognition.
The following year, in the 1989 CM series “Christmas Express,” Riho Makise, then 17, also appeared—something many will fondly remember.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this song transcended the bounds of a mere hit and helped establish in Japan the cultural notion of Christmas as a time for couples to spend together.
JR Central: Yes, let's go to Kyoto. “Early Summer 2025 (Sugimoto Family Residence)” EditionNarration: Tasuku Emoto
This is a JR Central commercial that shows the beautiful scenery of Kyoto and heightens the desire to travel there.
The theme here is early summer in Kyoto, conveying the pleasant sensation of wind blowing through lush greenery, accompanied by Tasuku Emoto’s narration.
Further enhancing the gentle atmosphere of the visuals is “My Favorite Things,” well known from the musical The Sound of Music.
Though the tempo is calm, the performance has a lightness to it that evokes a sense of excitement for new experiences.
JR Central: 'Yes, let's go to Kyoto.' 2018 Spring 'Kanshuji Temple'
The TV commercials for the campaign “That’s right—let’s go to Kyoto,” which Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) has been running since 1993, vividly showcase tourist spots in and around Kyoto City.
The series has been so influential that many people say it inspired them to take a trip to Kyoto.
In 2018, it also made headlines when Kyozo Nagatsuka, who had served as the narrator for 25 years since the campaign began, stepped down and Tasuku Emoto was announced as his successor.
The version introduced here was released in the spring of 2018 and features Kanshuji Temple, founded in the year 900.
The CM uses the jazz standard “My Favorite Things” as its theme music.
The arrangement, notable for its mysterious harmonies in the intro, was created by musician kotringo, known for her work on the soundtrack of the film “In This Corner of the World.” The arrangement was reportedly crafted in response to a request to evoke the feeling of a celestial maiden.
JR Central commercial roundup: Captivating direction that conveys the charm of travel, with music worth noting! (21–30)
JR Central: Tokyo Thrills “Night View” EditionSosuke Ikematsu, Yuka Mukaizato
This commercial shows Sosuke Ikematsu heading out to see Tokyo’s night view after his partner suggests, “Let’s go see the night skyline sometime.” At first, Ikematsu says, “Night views all look the same, right?” But once he actually visits Tokyo and sees the city lights, he’s captivated by a beauty beyond what he imagined.
With the tagline “Tokyo Zokuzoku,” the commercial promotes sightseeing in Tokyo using JR Central (JR Tokai).