Kao’s commercial song. A popular jingle.

BreakthroughTwice

TWICE「Breakthrough」Music Video

This is a single by TWICE released in 2019.

It’s a track with a heavy atmosphere that could be seen as cool and dark, and it also seems to portray a strong image of women.

The lyrics clearly convey the sentiment of the title: “breaking through the status quo.” You can feel the resolve to cast off hesitation and become a stronger self, along with a strong will to move toward a bright tomorrow.

It’s a song that seems to encourage you by saying that although you have to overcome many walls, you can become stronger each time you do.

You & Imilet

milet “You & I” Music Video (Kao “Flair Fragrance & SPORTS” commercial song)

This is a song by milet released in 2019.

It was used as the commercial song for Kao’s “Flair Fragrance & SPORTS.” As the title suggests, it is said to depict the anxieties of a man and a woman.

The sound at the beginning, as if spoken, gives a heavy impression that evokes feelings of unease and impatience, but once the chorus begins, it unfolds into a bright and grand sound that feels as if the world has opened up.

It’s an intriguing track where you can sense the changing emotions of the two characters through the music itself.

A or BMika Nakashima

Mika Nakashima “A or B” Music Video

It’s a single released by Mika Nakashima in 2017.

From the title, you can tell it deals with two choices.

The lyrics begin with a sense of being dejected about one’s own weakness, and in the chorus the mood shifts to a bright, uplifting feeling of becoming a new self.

It also feels like the singing style changes to match the character’s emotional transformation.

Looking at the song as a whole, it seems less about making a choice and more about expressing a resolve to change.

dazzling tomorrowRei Yasuda

Rei Yasuda “dazzling tomorrow” Music Video (Kao PYUAN “Pure Foam” TV commercial theme song)

This is a song by Rei Yasuda released in 2019.

The sound is striking, developing from the tones of acoustic guitar and piano into a grand, orchestral atmosphere toward the chorus.

The lyrics match that image—very refreshing and positive.

They depict hope for a future moving forward with someone important, and a strong belief that tomorrow will be bright.

It’s a song that seems to speak to the importance of supporting each other, and of believing in your loved one and in yourself.

skinGen Hoshino

Gen Hoshino – Skin (Live at ONKIO HAUS Studio 2018)

This song is included on the single “Family Song,” released in 2017.

It was also used in a commercial for Kao’s Biore u Body Wash.

Within the funk-style sound that feels very characteristic of Gen Hoshino, there’s a certain freshness.

The lyrics give the impression of a “love song,” in line with the title’s sentiment—suggesting that through physical closeness we can come to know one another.

It feels skillful how it conveys the depth of love without actually using the word “love.”

ResuscitationMr.Children

Mr.Children “overture ~ Resurrection” Mr.Children TOUR POPSAURUS 2012

Keisuke Honda and Naomi Watanabe showcase steady practice as they keep taking on challenges — Kao “Attack” new TV commercial: ‘The Challenge at 30’

This commercial shows people who, upon turning 30, continue to take on new challenges, while also conveying how Attack supports them.

The efforts—and the resulting stains—of soccer player Keisuke Honda, performer Naomi Watanabe, and French chef Shintaro Ababa evoke a positive, forward-looking attitude toward challenges.

The song that further accentuates the refreshing mood of the visuals, which feel like stepping into the future, is Mr.Children’s “Sosei” (“Resurrection”).

It’s a song that portrays standing back up after a fall and continuing to challenge oneself, expressing a strong will to face difficulties.

rainbow

Attack ZERO commercial - Haruko (Spring High) Volleyball

This commercial conveys, through scenes from the Spring High School Volleyball Tournament, that dirt is inseparable from sports—and that Attack laundry detergent removes it, supporting the power to keep pushing forward.

It portrays athletes who didn’t get the results they hoped for, expressing a message of washing away their frustration and turning it into resolve to keep challenging themselves.

The music amplifies the tender, bittersweet atmosphere of the visuals: a piano rendition of the children’s song “Niji” (Rainbow).

Precisely because it’s performed solely with the gentle timbre of the piano, it leaves a quietly penetrating impression that closely accompanies and soothes their frustration.