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.
- [From timeless classics to the latest hits] A roundup of catchy commercial songs
- JR East commercial. A compilation of commercials showcasing beautiful scenery.
- JR commercial roundup. A comprehensive look at commercials where you can see the trains!
- A must-see for people in their 30s and 40s! A roundup of nostalgic 1990s commercial jingles
- JR’s CM song roundup, including SKISKI and more
- [Nostalgic Commercials] A compilation of commercials that aired in the Showa era
- [Tokyo Gas] Want to watch again! A roundup of touching classic commercials
- JTB commercial. A collection of commercials that make you want to go on a trip.
- [Toyota Commercial] Popular CM Songs. Historical CM Songs [2025]
- [December 2025] Summary of the Latest Trending CM Songs
- ANA commercial. A refreshing collection of ads that will make you look forward to air travel.
- [Nagoya Commercials] A Collection of Local Commercials from Aichi Prefecture
- [JAL] A collection of Japan Airlines commercials: ads introducing fun journeys in the sky
JR Central commercial roundup: Captivating direction that conveys the charm of travel, with music worth noting! (21–30)
JR Central: Off to Nara, the 'Asuka' editionRyohei Suzuki
In the JR Central travel campaign commercial “Iza Iza Nara,” this installment highlights the charms of Asuka Village.
It opens with scenes of the Ishibutai Kofun and the Masuda Iwafune, then Ryohei Suzuki goes on to visit one famous spot after another around Asuka Village.
It ends with a shot of him enjoying delicious-looking dishes at the traditional house restaurant Da terra, leaving a strong impression of someone fully savoring all that Asuka Village has to offer.
Many viewers from outside the prefecture were likely intrigued, thinking, “I had no idea there was a place like this in Nara’s Asuka Village!”
JR Central: Yes, let’s go to Kyoto. Autumn 2022 “Takao” edition
This is a 2022 commercial that introduces autumn in Kyoto, narrated by Tasuku Emoto.
Titled the “Takao” edition, it showcases the autumn foliage at temples and shrines in the Takao area, including Jingo-ji, Kozan-ji, and Saimyo-ji.
The breathtakingly beautiful and evocative visuals make you feel like you want to go there and see it with your own eyes.
JR Central 'Fight! Express'
Released in 1981, the song did not become a major hit as a single, but the following year the album of the same name became a hit, and it went on to become one of Motoharu Sano’s signature songs.
In 1990, it was used as the commercial song for JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express.”
JR Central: Yes, let’s go to Kyoto. Spring 2022
The commercial for ‘Kyoto, Let’s Go’ that aired in the spring of 2022 is crafted to focus on spring flowers—such as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and wisteria—blooming throughout the historic city of Kyoto.
The combination of Tasuku Emoto’s calm, soothing narration and the beautiful floral imagery is wonderful, making it a commercial you’ll want to watch again and again.
JR Central “X’mas Express”
This is a now-legendary commercial overflowing with the charm of Riho Makise, who was 17 at the time.
I think it was around this period that drama-style commercials started becoming more common.
This ad is part of JR Central’s Tokaido Shinkansen series that ran from 1989 to 1992, and later featured Rina Takahashi and Takami Yoshimoto, gaining great popularity.
Above all, Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” was an incredibly effective BGM—just hearing the song brings this commercial to mind for many people.
The phrase “XX Express” also became a standard expression thanks to this CM.
JR Central: Yes, let's go to Kyoto. “Early Summer 2019: Moss and Fresh Greenery” Edition
This is JR Central’s early-summer 2019 commercial, “Moss and Fresh Greenery,” known for the catchphrase “Yes—let’s go to Kyoto.” Summers in Kyoto are hot—very humid, in fact—but there are plenty of places where you can feel cool.
Giou-ji Temple in Sagano, commonly called the “Moss Temple,” is surely one of them.
The marimba background music also adds a touch of coolness.
JR Central: Off to Nara — 'Tōdaiji & Naramachi' EditionRyohei Suzuki
This is JR Tokai’s “Iza Iza Nara” commercial, which extensively showcases the highlights of Todai-ji and Naramachi.
Aired in 2022, the ad is memorable for Ryohei Suzuki thoroughly enjoying everything from sightseeing—such as the Great Buddha of Todai-ji and Nigatsudo—to food, including Naramachi’s popular shaved ice.