JR’s CM song roundup, including SKISKI and more

MemoriesMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION 『Memories』

Originally created as the 2015 commercial song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI,” this track was initially planned for digital release only.

However, due to a large number of requests for a CD, it was released as a limited edition of 10,000 copies in early 2016.

Although it’s a ski-themed commercial, the song has an appealing quality that feels like more than just that.

Every year, the JR East “JR SKISKI” commercial songs are distinctive, and many people likely look forward to seeing what kind of track will be chosen.

The railroad tracks go on forever.Humbert Humbert

This song, best known for the famously ubiquitous phrase “The railroad goes on forever,” actually originated as the American folk tune “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” Although it began as a folk song with a serious theme as a work song, a parody version was used as the theme for the American TV drama “Texas Rangers,” which helped it spread widely in Japan.

Later, it was introduced on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” under the title “Senro wa Tsuzuku yo Dokomademo,” gaining nationwide recognition.

The melody is even used for approaching-train chimes, and it has blended into the soundscape of our everyday lives.

The version featured here is an arrangement of this beloved home song, used as the commercial tune for “Mamo-Rail,” JR East’s child safety monitoring service.

The performers are the husband-and-wife duo Humbert Humbert.

In addition to its pastoral arrangement, be sure to pay attention to the lyrics, which align with the commercial’s theme.

Hokuriku Romance ~Premium Duet Version~Shinji Tanimura / Yukie Nakama

Shinji Tanimura × Yukie Nakama – Hokuriku Romance ~Premium Duet Version~

Although it’s a 2015 song, its arrangement and melody sit squarely in the heart of classic Showa-era pop, and the lyrics evoke a sense of travel.

Hokuriku Roman is the 56th single by Shinji Tanimura, who rose to fame as a member of the music group Alice and has remained a beloved national singer-songwriter throughout his solo career.

It was written specifically as a theme song for a JR West commercial, and when it was released on CD, a “Premium Duet Version” was issued featuring a duet with Yukie Nakama, who actually appeared in the commercial.

Tanimura’s hallmark blend of mature allure, gravitas, and dandyism contrasts beautifully with Nakama’s clear, luminous vocals.

It’s not the easiest time to travel casually these days, but listening to this song will surely make you want to set off for Hokuriku.

A Gift Without a StampHiromi Oshiba

Kazuo Zaitsu “A Gift Without a Stamp,” covered by Hiromi Oshiwa

The memorable title doesn’t actually appear in the lyrics, but as you read them, the meaning comes through and the song leaves you with a warm feeling.

This classic was created by Kazuo Zaitsu, the frontman of Tulip and a songwriter who has released countless masterpieces.

It was originally introduced in 1977 on the NHK music program “Uta wa Tomodachi,” and its friendly melody and lyrics resonated widely, making it a huge hit that has since been covered by many artists and bands.

The version featured here was used in JR West’s corporate commercials that aired starting in February 2020, with vocals by Osaka-born singer-songwriter Hiromi Oshiba.

The gentle sound of the acoustic guitar and the soft, kind vocals are truly soothing.

OriginalYuki Kaji

These days, it’s a convenient world where you can easily make Shinkansen online reservations right from your smartphone.

One of the services that lets you quickly book online for the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen is “Smart EX.” Many people were probably curious about the platypus mascot Ico-chan from JR West’s IC card “ICOCA”—with that unusually smooth voice—and the song featured in the “Smart EX” commercial, the “At Home or at the Office” version that began airing in March 2020.

Anime fans might recognize it right away, but the voice and singing are by popular voice actor Yuki Kaji.

He has starred in many hit anime, and in his private life, he’s known for marrying fellow popular voice actor Ayana Taketatsu in 2019.

Of course, the song is an original track made for the commercial, and its charming melody and straightforward lyrics are exactly what you’d expect from a catchy jingle.

silverEVE

Shirogane – Eve MV

Minami Hamabe and Kenshi Okada co-star in the JR Ski commercial! Song by Eve, “Shirogane.” New JR SKISKI CM.

Eve’s “Shirogane,” chosen as the theme song for JR SKI SKI in 2019–2020, has an easy-to-love, bouncy guitar riff that’s really fun! Its worldview feels like it paints a grand silver landscape, with a sparkling quality that hints at the future to come.

Thinking about moments that will never return, it seems brimming with the youth and brilliant hope that exist in the “now.” It teaches us the importance of raw, all-out feelings and passion—a winter song that clears the heart.

Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Snow Magic Fantasy”

Haruna Kawaguchi Commercial Compilation: “JR SKISKI – 3 Versions” [Actress] Haruna Kawaguchi

This song was created as the CM song for JR East’s 2013 “JR SKISKI” campaign.

Incorporating processed sounds of instruments used in classical music, the track has a more pop-oriented finish than SEKAI NO OWARI’s usual sound, and the music video follows suit with a pop vibe.

Directed by Jun Tamukai, who also worked on “RPG,” the MV is even more pop than SEKAI NO OWARI’s usual style.