CM Song Day

What Is CM Song Day?

September 7th is "CM Song Day" in Japan. On September 7, 1951, a radio commercial using a "CM song" (commercial song) aired for the first time in Japan. It advertised Sakura Film from Konishiroku Photo Industry (now Konica Minolta) and is said to have aired on Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting (CBC) and other stations. It marked an important milestone in the history of Japanese advertising.

How Japan's First CM Song Came About

Commercial radio broadcasting in Japan began on September 1 of the same year, 1951. Konishiroku wanted to launch a new program with the very first commercial broadcasts, and bought a 30-minute time slot.

• A request to Toriro Miki: The program was entrusted to Toriro Miki, a popular lyricist and composer.
• Something NHK couldn't do: Miki asked himself what the public broadcaster NHK could not do, and proposed a commercial song.
• No company or product name: The resulting song, "Boku wa Amateur Cameraman," deliberately left the company and product names out of its lyrics.
• Sung by Katsuhiko Haida: It was sung by Katsuhiko Haida, a singer and ukulele player who was also a regular on the early NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

The History and Development of CM Songs

CM songs have developed into a unique culture where advertising and music meet.

• Born in the radio era: Early CM songs were mostly short, simple melodies.
• Growth in the TV era: After commercial television began in 1953, memorable ads combining images and music increased.
• Hits born from commercials: Many songs first released as CM songs have gone on to become chart hits.

The Role and Appeal of CM Songs

CM songs are created to make an impression for a product or brand.

• Memorable melodies: Because they must make an impact in a short time, many are catchy.
• Building brand image: Music conveys the mood and value of a product.
• Ads you can hum: A melody you can't help humming helps people remember the product name.

Interesting Facts About CM Song Day

• Accounts of the first broadcast differ: Toriro Miki's official website says the song was first heard on Nagoya's CBC on September 1, 1951, the day commercial radio began, sung by Katsuhiko Haida, and that from September 7 it aired every week on the program "Jodan Western," planned and produced by Miki.
• Related days: September 1st, when commercial radio began, is "Commercial Radio Broadcasting Start Day," and August 28th, when Japan's first TV commercial aired, is "TV Commercial Day."
• Unforgettable tunes: Many CM songs are remembered as "national catchphrases."
• Look at the creators, too: Some composers, like Toriro Miki, wrote a great many CM songs.

Tips for Enjoying CM Song Day

• Look back on nostalgic CM songs and enjoy the advertising culture of each era.
• Collect your favorite CM songs into your own "commercial playlist."
• Look into the background and composers of CM songs.
• Chat with coworkers about the CM songs you still remember.

A Short Melody That Brings Back the Memory of an Era

CM Song Day on September 7th is a day to enjoy the unique charm created by music and advertising. You may notice that a melody lasting only a few seconds can remind you not just of a product, but of an entire era.