Western songs used in commercials — tear-jerking classics and popular tracks

What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World (Official Video)

A song by American jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong, known by nicknames such as “Satchmo.” Created in the hope of world peace in the wake of the Vietnam War, it became a global mega-hit.

In Japan, it was used as the theme for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation’s “Tokyo 2020 Believers” commercial, among many other ads, so many people are likely familiar with it.

His rich, resonant, and gentle voice truly embodies “What a Wonderful World.” This emotional number was also used as the finale during the extinguishing of the flame at the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics.

Story of My LifeOne Direction

One Direction – Story of My Life

A song by One Direction, the UK boy band nicknamed 1D that achieved global success and was even hailed as the second coming of the Beatles.

In Japan, it likely became widely recognized after being featured in NTT DOCOMO’s “Student Discount” commercial.

The driving acoustic guitar arpeggios and the memorable vocals—blending both melancholy and a sense of release—stick in your ears, especially with the song’s catchiness.

It’s a nostalgic, tear-jerking track that feels like a story of life itself, and a massive hit that symbolizes the global music scene since 2010.

Change The WorldEric Clapton

Eric Clapton – Change The World (Live Video) | Warner Vault

A song by Eric Clapton—revered as a guitar god since his youth in London, England, and known in Japan as one of the country’s three great guitarists.

It was used as the theme for SUNTORY’s “Premium Boss” commercial and is a number frequently heard in Japan.

Originally released by American country singer Wynonna Judd, the song became a global hit after Eric Clapton covered it, topping J-WAVE’s year-end chart in Japan.

With its beautiful melody, guitar tones, and gentle vocals, it’s a track that lingers in your ears and makes you want to keep listening.

I’m YoursJason Mraz

Jason Mraz – I’m Yours (Official Video) [4K Remaster]

The soothing sound of the acoustic guitar seems to seep into a slightly wistful heart at summer’s end.

This song by singer-songwriter Jason Mraz features a light, reggae-tinged groove that naturally loosens you up just by listening.

The lyrics depict a defenseless, boundless love that casts off hesitation and speaks straight from the heart.

That honest emotion curiously matches a scene of getting sentimental by the seaside at dusk.

Included on the 2008 album “We Sing.

We Dance.

We Steal Things.

,” the track set a record by staying on the U.

S.

charts for 76 weeks.

Also beloved as a theme song for a Kirin Beer commercial, it’s a classic you’ll want to play when you’re in the mood to reminisce about summer.

(They Long to Be) Close to YouCarpenters

Close to You / (They Long to Be) Close to You [with Japanese subtitles/translation] — The Carpenters

I bet many of you can recognize the song just from the intro.

It’s one of the signature tracks by the Carpenters, the music duo behind countless masterpieces.

The Japanese title “Harukanaru Kage” was released as a single in 1970.

The calm, refined arrangement pairs beautifully with Karen’s warm vocals.

The more you listen, the more it sinks into your heart.

It has been used in various commercials, including NTT Docomo’s “When You Debut Your Smartphone,” as well as spots for Glico and Toyota Home.

High HopesPanic! At The Disco

Panic! at the Disco “High Hopes” [Japanese Lyric Video]

It’s a very uplifting song packed with energetic determination that says, “I’m absolutely going to succeed!” It’s a work by the American rock band Panic! At The Disco, released in 2018.

It became a hot topic when it was used in a commercial song for the HONDA ACCORD and was a hit in Japan as well.

The grand sound arrangement is striking, with a horn section whose straightforward, soaring tone lingers in your ears.

Brendon Urie’s expansive vocals are wonderful, too.

When you want to feel positive, this song is sure to give you a push.

True ColorsCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – True Colors (Official HD Video)

“True Colors,” which was used as the theme song for the FUJIFILM X-T1 commercial, is a classic released in 1986 that portrays “your very own colors.

” It’s a work by the pop singer Cyndi Lauper, who is also well known for her love of Japan.

“Time After Time” is a tearjerker, and “True Colors” really hits you in the heart as well.

It was a hit not only in English-speaking countries like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, but also in the Nordic region.

Even though we’re living in a time when individuality is increasingly respected, there are still plenty of situations where we change under the influence of others or can’t express ourselves due to our surroundings.

In times like that, the song’s gently spoken message resonates all the more.

The words of love and encouragement in the lyrics—”You’re wonderful just the way you are”—are enough to move you to tears.

The song has been covered by many artists across both Western and Japanese music scenes, and its color changes depending on who sings it, which is part of its brilliance.