The 1979-1980 Suzuki Love Scooter Commercial
In the late 1970s, as Michael Jackson was transitioning from child star to global pop icon with his landmark Off the Wall album, he lent his unmistakable style to an unlikely product: Suzuki scooters. The result was a charming, high-energy Japanese television commercial for the Suzuki Love Scooter that perfectly captured the era’s blend of funk, youth culture, and cool mobility.
The Commercial That Sparked Nostalgia
Filmed around 1979-1980 (with some sources pinpointing late 1979 production), the short 30-second spot featured a young Michael Jackson—fresh off the success of hits like “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough”—dancing energetically around a sleek Suzuki scooter. Dressed in a sharp red jacket, he performed his signature smooth moves to the infectious groove of that very song from Off the Wall. The ad culminated with Jackson delivering the memorable tagline: “Love is my message.”
It was a simple concept executed with pure MJ charisma: boy meets scooter, scooter meets dance floor, and the whole thing radiates joy. A second version reportedly poked fun at his famous (or infamous) wink attempt from the first take, showing Jackson’s playful self-awareness even at a young age.
The commercial was produced primarily for the Japanese market, tying into Suzuki’s push for their “Love” line of mopeds and scooters. It was distributed in collaboration with Epic Records and CBS Inc., leveraging Jackson’s rising stardom to appeal to young consumers who wanted both style and practicality.
Context and Cultural Impact
This wasn’t Jackson’s only foray into advertising—his later Pepsi campaigns became legendary (and infamous due to the infamous hair-fire incident)—but the Suzuki spot stands out for its early glimpse of the King of Pop’s effortless cool. Shot partly in Los Angeles with behind-the-scenes footage showing the production process, it highlighted Michael’s dance prowess and magnetic presence long before the moonwalk took over the world.
Fans today rediscover the ad on YouTube (including 4K remasters) and social media, where it regularly goes viral for its wholesome vibe and that iconic attempted wink. Comments often highlight the cuteness factor and Jackson’s genuine dancing, proving its timeless appeal decades later.
Why It Mattered
At the time, Michael Jackson was at a pivotal moment—Off the Wall (1979) marked his emergence as a solo superstar, blending disco, funk, and pop in ways that redefined the industry. Partnering with Suzuki for a lighthearted promo aligned perfectly with his “Love is my message” ethos, a theme that would echo throughout his career. For Suzuki, it brought Hollywood glamour to a practical two-wheeler, making scooters feel fun, youthful, and aspirational. The ad remains a delightful footnote in MJ’s expansive legacy: proof that even in his early post-Jackson 5 days, he could make anything—including a scooter—look like the coolest thing on wheels. If you’re a fan of retro commercials or 70s/80s pop culture, track down the remastered versions online. It’s a short, joyful ride through music history that still puts a smile on faces. “Don’t stop ‘til you get enough”… or in this case, until you’ve seen Michael Jackson scooter-dancing his way into pop ad legend.
