A roundup of Sapporo Beer commercials. Pay attention to the taglines and direction, too!
Sapporo Breweries, a beer maker born in Hokkaido.
In addition to Black Label and Yebisu, its distinctive lineup—like Hokkaido-exclusive Sapporo Classic—is part of its appeal.
In this article, we’ll showcase all of the Sapporo Beer commercials produced to date.
The catchphrases and stories tailored to each product concept are highlights as well, and many of the ads are likely memorable.
Keeping those points in mind, take this opportunity to sit back and enjoy them.
Sapporo Beer commercial roundup: pay attention to the taglines and direction too! (1–10)
Stage of the groundBUMP OF CHICKEN
This song is sure to set many hearts racing! “Stage of the ground” by BUMP OF CHICKEN is the track that opens their classic first major-label album, “jupiter,” released in 2002.
In 2022, it was featured in Sapporo Beer’s commercial for the “98th Hakone Ekiden: The Power of Seniors” edition.
From the crisp guitar riff to the layered band sound, even the intro alone is incredibly satisfying.
It’s an anthem that sings of possibilities expanding infinitely, like the universe.
With both strength and tenderness coexisting, every moment overflows with that unmistakable BUMP charm!
I Got RhythmMutsumi Okada
This song was written by the Gershwin brothers, who produced many hit songs for musicals.
It was first used in the 1930 musical Girl Crazy.
That musical includes this song as well as But Not For Me and Embraceable You, which are still beloved as jazz standards today.
The chord progression of this song is known as rhythm changes, and along with the blues progression, it is frequently played at jam sessions and similar settings.
Let's have a drink here.Taka and Toshi
In the Hokkaido-exclusive beer Sapporo Classic commercial, the duo Taka and Toshi, who are from Hokkaido, make an appearance.
This installment is titled “Hometown Friends,” and shows them reminiscing with their local friends, Sapporo Classic in hand.
The direction, which spotlights the land of Hokkaido, is particularly appealing.
The gentle background music is an original song created for the commercial, titled “Let’s Drink Here.” It’s sung by Taka and Toshi, and their unpretentious, down-to-earth vocals add an extra touch of warmth.
The Third Man
This song is the theme for a mystery film of the same title produced in 1949.
The movie is set in post–World War II Vienna, and the song’s distinctive atmosphere is used to great effect.
It’s performed by Anton Karas, an Austrian zither player, who was reportedly discovered by the director while playing at a tavern in Vienna.
The film also features Orson Welles, whom many people know from a certain English conversation textbook.
For many in Japan, this tune is what comes to mind as the theme song of Yebisu Beer.
to run; to dash; to gallopskirt
Kakeru, which drew attention as the theme song for the commercial “Together, Beyond — Kiyohara” for the 96th Hakone Ekiden, is a track by Skirt, the solo project of musician Wataru Sawabe, who is active in many fields beyond his own works.
It was released in 2020 as a double A-side single alongside Hyoshiki no Kage / Tettō no Kage (“Shadow of the Sign / Shadow of the Transmission Tower”).
The gently interwoven piano tones create a soothing sound that is truly comforting.
It’s a refined, warm sonic image paired with airy lyrics—an exceptionally gentle number.
Around the WorldJennifer Skidmore
This piece was written by Harold Adamson and Victor Young as the theme song for the 1956 film Around the World in 80 Days.
Victor Young, a composer who left many jazz standards such as Stella by Starlight, passed away shortly after the film’s release, making this his final work.
In Japan, it was used as the theme song for the long-running TV program Kaoru Kanetaka’s World Travel, which aired from 1959 for over 30 years, so some of you may find it familiar.
Our greatness lies hereAkira Kushida
With the 2019 renewal, “Our Deliciousness Is Right Here” was used as the theme song for Mugi to Hop.
The commercial featuring Teruyuki Kagawa leading a grand chorus left a strong impression.
The song is performed by Akira Kushida, known for hero songs like those from Dragon Ball.
It’s based on “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon,” used in the American film Yellow Ribbon, giving it a bright, uplifting feel.
Kushida’s vocals, infused with his love for beer, are overwhelmingly powerful and packed with impact!