Lovely Play & Recreation

Songs you can dance to around the campfire. A roundup of recommended tracks for dancing.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

A campfire is essential for nights during camping and outdoor activities.

A campfire gradually grows from the start, reaches an exciting peak, and then settles into a calm mood toward the end—that transition is one of its true charms.

And it’s not just about watching the flames; people often sing songs and dance as well.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended songs to dance to around the campfire.

We’ve gathered classic campfire tunes, folk dance songs, and even popular J-pop hits—use this as a handy reference.

Songs you can dance to around the campfire. Recommended dance tracks (41–50)

Time ParadoxVaundy

[Dance Choreography] Time Paradox — Vaundy | Theme Song of “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Earth Symphony”

Time ParadoxVaundy

Many of you probably go to see the Doraemon movie that comes out every year.

Doraemon has many works that move even adults to tears.

With that in mind, I recommend this song—the theme for Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Earth Symphony—as a campfire tune.

Its slow tempo makes it easy to dance to, and the somewhat wistful melody is perfect for nighttime.

The choreography introduced here features flowing movements and a relaxed feel that embraces pauses, so try dancing while immersing yourself in the music.

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primary colorsYOASOBI

[Sports Day Dance] [Full] Trichromatic / YOASOBI | Easy Choreography (Upper Elementary, Upper Grades, Middle School, High School)

primary colorsYOASOBI

The song RGB by YOASOBI, based on Yuichiro Komikado’s novel RGB.

While this track carries a certain sense of loneliness, it also has an upbeat groove that makes your body sway as you listen.

It wasn’t originally a dance number, but because it’s so popular, many choreography and dance-cover videos have been released.

Why not try dancing to it around the campfire? The choreography introduced here is primarily focused on upper-body movements.

The footwork mostly involves actions like two-foot or one-foot jumps and simple steps, so with practice, even elementary school children should be able to dance it.

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swallowYOASOBI with Midorīzu

Tsubame / YOASOBI with Midories [Sports Day/Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

swallowYOASOBI with Midorīzu

YOASOBI’s “Tsubame,” released in 2021, was also featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta, so many of you are probably familiar with it.

How about trying a campfire dance to this song, which has a child-friendly melody and gentle lyrics? While “Tsubame” has official choreography, here we’ll introduce an even simpler routine that’s easier to dance.

The moves are basically straightforward, with the arms and legs moving in sync, so with a little practice even preschoolers should be able to dance it.

The swallow-inspired motions—like shaping your hands like wings and hopping—are adorable.

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Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento

[Sure, with pleasure] Kocchinoken and MV “Simple Dance” — A simple arranged dance you can do at sports days or recitals!

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento

Kenchō-san’s “Hai Yorokonde” is a song that depicts everyday struggles, yet its upbeat sound is the key point.

Let’s focus on the light, resonant sound with its steady rhythm and turn it into a fun dance.

You can use the exact choreography he performs in the chorus, but if those moves are difficult, it’s fine to adapt them to simpler, more comfortable motions.

Above all, what matters most is how well you can harness the light rhythm to create an enjoyable dance.

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Hokey Pokey

Hokey Pokey ♪ Hokey Pokey [English Songs | Kids’ English Conversation | Landy & Katy Channel]

Hokey Pokey

When you think of a cheerful melody that makes you want to dance around a campfire, many of you probably know exactly the one.

Wave your right hand as directed, then tap your left foot, and spin around—before you know it, you’re smiling.

Its simple structure, uniting song and dance, is filled with a mysterious charm that captivates people across generations.

Said to originate from Mother Goose, this piece isn’t tied to any specific performer but has been passed down through the ages.

In Japan, it has been widely loved since the mid-2000s, featured on albums like “Kentaro and Miku’s Waiwai Kids! Let’s Sing in English with Miku,” among others.

It’s a familiar presence in kindergartens, sports day exercises, and English-learning materials—truly a star performer.

Move your body together with everyone at camp, and you’re guaranteed to make unforgettable memories.

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