Compilation of in-store supermarket BGM: from the Call-In-kun jingle to original tracks, all in one place
Supermarkets are indispensable for our day-to-day shopping.
You probably have a few regular stores you visit, and among the background music they play, aren’t there some tunes that stick in your head?
Sometimes you’ll hear in-store arrangements of popular J-pop songs, but there are also original tracks made just for that supermarket, or that distinctive “po po—po po po po” melody—there’s a wide variety of in-store BGM out there.
In this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of supermarket in-store BGM tracks that will make you think, “I’ve heard this before!” and bring a little smile to your face.
Compilation of in-store supermarket BGM: from the Call-to-Store Jingle to original tracks (1–10)
No.4Caller
When you step into a supermarket, doesn’t that lively melody drifting from somewhere sound familiar? It’s a tune played by a voice-type POP device called “Yobikomi-kun,” and the title is “No.
4.” There are no lyrics, but because the same melody loops endlessly, many people find their heads filled with it by the time they leave the store.
Yobikomi-kun strongly carries the image that there are great deals wherever it’s playing—making it a powerful ally for household budgets.
It’s also hugely popular with children, and in 2021 a smaller version of Yobikomi-kun was released for the general public.
LAMU's Thememizna
LAMU is a discount supermarket popular in western Japan.
The song that plays in-store as its theme is this “LAMU Theme Song.” If you listen without knowing it’s a supermarket theme, you might think it’s an idol track—it’s that polished.
The singer is someone named mizna.
The lyrics, which encourage you to keep your dreams no matter what and stay upbeat, are energizing despite it being a supermarket song.
When you’re feeling down, going to LAMU can lift your spirits—and you end up buying all sorts of things! In a way, you can’t help but think, is this the strategy? It’s an amazing song.
The Song of a Good LifeArisa Sakata
This is an image song promoting the Kurashi Ryoko brand sold at supermarkets that are members of the All Japan Supermarket Association.
As the brand name suggests, the products embody the desire to support everyone’s daily lives, and that feeling comes through clearly in the song as well.
It also depicts the small, everyday happiness found in daily life, conveying the idea that shopping itself can make you feel happy.
With its light, breezy sound, it leaves the impression that no matter where it’s played in the supermarket, it lifts your spirits.
Fish HeavenHiromi Shibaya
At the fresh fish section of the supermarket, a variety of fish are lined up, and that range really highlights the fun of choosing, doesn’t it? A song that seems to capture the enjoyment of walking around that seafood section and the joy of eating fish is “Osakana Tengoku” (“Fish Heaven”).
It was created as a campaign song by the Central Seafood Center of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, and it became a hit after being played in supermarkets nationwide.
While incorporating the names of various fish, it’s a song that expresses the fun of eating fish.
Kakekko Tobikko
Heiwado is a supermarket chain operating mainly in Shiga Prefecture and other regions.
Its image song, “Kakekko Tobikko,” was produced to commemorate the company’s 20th anniversary and is cherished as a local song of Shiga Prefecture.
After Takanori Nishikawa—who is known to be from Shiga—introduced it on the radio, it gained nationwide recognition.
For the 65th anniversary, a version featuring Nishikawa on vocals was also released.
It is a locally beloved song imbued with the wish that shoppers will enjoy their time at Heiwado.
Mokkun of Daiei, the Song
Daiei, known as a company that helped develop Japan’s retail industry in the 20th century.
“Daiei Mokkun no Uta” is the theme song for the company’s mascot character and was also used as in-store BGM at their supermarkets.
The lyrics that promote the great deals of “Thursday Market” match perfectly with its catchy melody.
Its buoyant synth sound and light rhythm are sure to lift your spirits.
It’s a cheerful number that will make you want to head straight to the sales floor.
It could be fun to sing along with your kids or friends, too.
You’re welcome to come again.
Bottle World OK, a chain mainly operating in western Japan.
The catchy store name comes from the idea that “when it comes to alcohol, everything’s OK.” The in-store BGM playing at this supermarket is called “Mata Kite OK” (“Come Again, OK”).
It’s a song with heartwarming lyrics tied to the word “OK” and a light, breezy melody.
The repeated “OK” phrase in this pop tune is sure to stick in your head.
Pay attention to the lyrics too, filled with gentle sentiments centered around the theme of alcohol.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to while sipping a drink and unwinding after a long day.