Lovely commercial jingle

JR’s CM song roundup, including SKISKI and more

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

When it comes to JR commercials, there are all kinds: ones that showcase beautiful footage of tourist spots around Japan, ones that capture trains in motion, and of course the classic “JR SKISKI” series that appears every winter!

These commercials use music that perfectly matches their imagery—gentle tracks that highlight the beauty of the visuals, or upbeat tunes that convey the exhilarating speed of a train.

Many of the songs featured in the “JR SKISKI” series go on to become beloved winter staples, so there are quite a few standout CM tracks.

In this article, we’ll introduce all the songs that have been used in JR commercials so far.

You’re sure to find those buzzworthy tracks or the ones you heard in a CM and couldn’t get out of your head.

[Including SKISKI] Summary of JR Commercial Songs (51–60)

JR East 'Hometown-bound Ticket'

At HomeMiyuki Nakajima

At Home

“Home ni te” by Miyuki Nakajima

Miyuki Nakajima’s “Home nite (At the Platform)” is a song included on the B-side of the single “Wakare Uta,” released in 1977.

Despite being a B-side, it gained popularity thanks to numerous tie-ins, including being used as insert music for the drama “From the North Country” (Kita no Kuni Kara).

Set to a quiet, acoustic guitar–centered sound, it depicts the scene of a train platform bound for one’s hometown, imbued with both loneliness and warmth.

It was also used in a JR East commercial as a CM song; as a track themed around train stations, it conveys a warm atmosphere that evokes thoughts of one’s hometown.

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JR Kyushu JQ CARD “It’s Not Just for Show—It’s the JQ CARD” Version

Tears aren't just for show.

[Official] JQ CARD TV Commercial “It’s Not Just For Show — It’s JQ CARD” featuring Aoi Yamada

This is a promotional commercial for JQ CARD, a credit card offered by the JR Kyushu Group.

In the commercial, the appeal of JQ CARD is showcased to a parody of Akina Nakamori’s signature song “Kazari Janai no yo Namida wa.” It features Aoi Yamada—who is also active as a dancer and model—delivering a striking dance performance in sync with the music.

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JR Central: So, let's go to Kyoto — 'The Healing Kyoto Gives' edition

My Favorite ThingsRichard Rodgers

This is a commercial from the “Yes, Kyoto, let’s go” campaign that JR Central has been running since 1993.

The CM features a wide range of quintessential Kyoto scenes, from the traditional to the modern, and many viewers likely found themselves thinking, “Kyoto is wonderful.” The background music is a hummed version of “My Favorite Things,” a staple of the campaign’s commercials.

The gentle humming pairs beautifully with the calm, composed visuals.

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JR Central: 'Let's go. Someone is waiting.'

Let's go see (someone).Hanaregumi

UA – Let's Go Meet (Official Audio)

Let's go meet Hanaregumi

UA’s 2023 track “Aini Ikou,” created for JR Central’s “Let’s Go See Them” campaign.

In JR Central’s commercial “Let’s Go—Someone’s Waiting,” starring Yuriko Yoshitaka, a cover version of the song by Hanaregumi is featured.

The arrangement is handled by mabanua, a prolific producer of numerous songs.

The lyrics, packed with the bubbly excitement of going to meet someone you want to see, make it a perfect travel companion! You can also catch a brief moment of Yuriko Yoshitaka’s singing in the commercial—don’t miss it.

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[SKISKI and more] JR Commercial Songs Compilation (61–70)

JR West “Sanyo Shinkansen Entire Line 40th Anniversary Commemorative Kansai Branding Promotion — Ashita Serendipity” TV commercial song

SerendipityMai Kuraki

Mai Kuraki “Serendipity”

Serendipity Mai Kuraki

It was released in 2015 as a digital-only single by Mai Kuraki.

The song was used in JR West’s commercial for the “40th Anniversary of the Sanyo Shinkansen Full Line Opening – Kansai Branding Promotion: Ashita Serendipity,” and the music video was filmed inside a Shinkansen train through a collaboration with JR West.

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JR East 1996 commercial song

A lonely travelerElephant Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – Lonely Traveler [Official Video]

Lonely Traveler Elephant Kashimashi

It was released in 1996 as Elephant Kashimashi’s 11th single.

The song was issued as the lead single for their eighth album, “Kokoro ni Hana wo,” and was later included on the album.

It was also featured as a JR East commercial song.

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Bound for Identity 〜dear friend〜CHEMISTRY

CHEMISTRY Heian Shrine Illusionary Night Concert Bound For Identity ~Dear Friend~

Bound for Identity 〜dear friend〜CHEMISTRY

It’s a song included on CHEMISTRY’s third studio album, One × One, released in 2004.

The track was used in a JR East commercial, and the album reached number one on the Oricon weekly album chart.

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