It's not surprising that the 6 installations of "Christmas Express" advertisements by JR Central in 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2000 continue to stand evergreen over the years. The installations of a 1-minute commercial tells 6 different versions yet similar stories of reuniting long distance relationship couples via shinkansen services during the Christmas season. Maybe it is the romantic storyline, maybe it is the nostalgic song...you can't help but playing them on repeated mode.
Some fun facts:
There were always familiar scenes of emotional and teary goodbyes between long-distance relationship couples on the shinkansen track especially on Sunday nights. That's for either partner leaving on the last train- Hikari super express on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line from Tokyo to Osaka which operates at 9pm and reaches Osaka by 12 midnight. This scene became an inspiration for JR Central commercials and soon turns into a national sensation. The particular Sunday night Shinkansen ride also was known as "Cinderella Express". (Liken to Cinderella rushing home by 12 midnight).
The soundtrack in this series of Christmas Express is called "Christmas Eve (クリスマスイブ) by Tatsuro Yamashita (山下達郎). It was released in 1983 but only became a hit after being used in the 1st installation of JR Central ad in 1988!
Studies over this "Christmas Express" ad series noted the evolution of feminine behaviour over the years.....from one who waits passively for the return of her lover, to one who will take the initiative to travel to reach out to loved ones.
Let's revive the romance this Christmas!