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

The sun sets behind the distant mountains.

The sun sets behind the distant mountains.

This song sets Japanese lyrics to a famous melody by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, creating a beautiful fusion of graceful melody and emotionally rich words.

The lyrics, which portray the peace and quiet of day’s end alongside a serene twilight scene, resonate deeply with listeners.

Introduced in Japan in the 1930s under the title “Ieji” (Going Home) and later widely known as “Tōki yama ni hi wa ochite” (The Sun Sets Behind Distant Mountains), the song became a staple especially after it was included in music textbooks in 1962, and has since been frequently sung at school events and campfires.

In 2022, an arrangement was featured in the NHK historical drama The 13 Lords of the Shogun, bringing renewed attention to the piece.

It is a classic that brings calm and gentle moments to time spent in nature.

Row, Michael!

Row, Michael!

When you want to safely liven up a campfire gathering with people of all ages, you can count on universally known camp songs.

Spirituals, known as African American spiritual songs, have melodies that make many people start humming along the moment they hear them.

First published in 1867 in Slave Songs of the United States, this piece is well known in Japan as a school music material, having been sung on NHK children’s programs and even performed by The Drifters on a variety show.

With a profound history, its lyrics, filled with hopes for freedom and salvation, continue to be loved across eras and borders.

A big song

Big Song

Koichi Nakajima’s children’s song “Ooki na Uta” (A Big Song) is characterized by lyrics full of expansiveness and hope, paired with a bright, rhythmic melody.

Since it was broadcast on Minna no Uta from June to July 1979, it has continued to be loved by many.

Frequently used as a choral piece for children and popular in educational settings, this work conveys a strong message about the beauty of nature and the importance of having dreams.

Its style makes it perfect for singing together around a campfire, so it’s also recommended for outdoor enthusiasts.

Let the cheerful, uplifting vocals give you a push, and dance your way toward big dreams!

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy [Simple Choreography for Lower and Middle Elementary Grades]

Vaundy’s “Kaijuu no Hanauta” is striking for its bright melody, and the way the chorus opens up like an expanding landscape makes the song feel uplifting.

Dancing to a track that boosts your mood like this can help you move with even more joy.

Because it’s a cheerful song, it’s recommended to incorporate bouncy movements in your dance to match it, and be mindful of expressing that fun through your facial expressions as well.

Keep in mind the image of the chorus suddenly widening the scenery, and use movements that spread your arms—this is a key point for conveying the song’s world.

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kappamaki

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If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands

[Official Pokémon] Children's song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” – Pokémon Kids TV [Kids’ Song]

True to its title, “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” this song is built with simple lyrics and a melody so everyone can join in, inviting people to clap their hands, stomp their feet, and shout “Hooray!” as ways to express happiness.

Released in 1964, it became a major hit and has continued to be loved, covered by various artists including Kyu Sakamoto.

Many people likely remember singing it as children.

It’s often used at school events and for recreation, and it’s perfect for singing around a campfire.

It’s a song anyone—young or old—can take part in, guaranteed to put you in a happy mood! Be sure to sing it out loud, clap along, dance, and have fun.

Hands and hands and hands

“Hand in Hand in Hand” Aichi's Singing Voices “Singing Cafe on the Net”

The children’s song “Te to Te to Te to” (“Hand in Hand in Hand”) is a piece that has the power to deepen bonds between people.

Through the simple act of holding hands, communication naturally emerges and a sense of unity grows among participants.

The episode that it was composed to celebrate the marriage of a staff member at a facility for people with disabilities in Kiyose, Tokyo, also conveys the depth of feeling embedded in the song.

With its simple melody and rhythm, it’s easy to sing and appealing to both children and adults.

Included in albums such as “Asobi Uta Taizenshū 200,” it is widely loved in childcare and educational settings.

I think it’s a perfect song for everyone to hold hands and sing together around a campfire.

Be sure to make it part of your happy memories.

paprikaFoorin

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

Paprika, a song by the elementary and middle school music unit Foorin produced by Kenshi Yonezu, became a social phenomenon.

Released on CD on August 15, 2018 as the NHK 2020 Support Song, it slowly gained popularity and went on to become a long-running hit in 2019.

Tons of dance videos have been posted, and it’s hugely popular because even little kids can dance to it easily! With its pop and cute vibe, sing and dance along to liven up your campfire night!

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miyabi

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