Classic songs for musical chairs. A carefully curated selection of easy-to-walk-to, crowd-pleasing tracks.
Musical Chairs—haven’t you all played it at least once?In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are perfect to play during a game of musical chairs.When you play, you may wonder what kind of music makes it easy to walk and gets everyone excited.So we’ve picked a wide range of recommendations—from classics like “Oklahoma Mixer” and “Mayim Mayim,” to popular children’s songs, dance tracks, and J-pop that everyone knows.If you’re looking for tracks to use for recreational activities, be sure to check these out.
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Classic songs for musical chairs: a carefully curated selection of easy-to-walk, crowd-pleasing tracks (11–20)
Oklahoma Mixeramerika min’yō
The folk dance song many people have danced to at elementary and junior high school sports days is “Oklahoma Mixer.” Many might remember feeling quite embarrassed dancing it with a partner of the opposite sex.
It’s said to have started in 1946 when Winfield Niblo, an education officer with the Nagasaki Military Government, performed it himself during a dinner with Nagasaki prefectural officials.
The version of “Oklahoma Mixer” most people in Japan recognize today apparently includes Japan-specific arrangements.
Its catchy, unforgettable rhythm also makes it a great choice for musical chairs.
Mayim MayimIsuraeru min’yō
Many people have practiced for school sports day by listening to this song every day, right? However, some might not know that “Mayim Mayim” is an Israeli folk song.
After World War II, folk dancing began to spread in Japan through GHQ and American organizations such as the YMCA and YWCA, and it’s said that “Mayim Mayim” became popular in Japan around that time.
Its distinctly Middle Eastern rhythm and melody are addictive and keep looping in your head.
It’s not only great for dancing but also a perfect classic for musical chairs!
strollInoue Azumi
Sampo,” with its parade-like melody, encourages an easy walking pace for musical chairs.
The song is sung by Azumi Inoue and is famous as the opening theme of the 1988 film “My Neighbor Totoro.” Even people who haven’t watched many Ghibli films probably know this tune.
Its powerful performance and the energetic “Okay, let’s go!” make it a great pick to play during musical chairs, especially when little kids are joining in.
Just be careful not to get so absorbed in the music that you forget to sit when it stops!
U.S.A.DA PUMP
“U.S.A.” is the hit song that drew renewed attention to DA PUMP after they restarted with a new lineup formed by members from Okinawa Prefecture.
It actually has an original version—the song was originally a single by Italian singer Joe Yellow.
It’s a dance number that incorporates Eurobeat, and the “Ii ne” dance and “Invader” dance that appear in the song became a social phenomenon! It’s a track that naturally gets both adults and kids moving and excited, so it’s also a great recommendation for background music for musical chairs.
Mickey Mouse MarchDizunī
The Disney song everyone knows, “Mickey Mouse March.” I’m sure people all over the world loved Mickey Mouse when they were kids.
That’s because this song was first used as the opening theme for the children’s TV program “The Mickey Mouse Club,” which aired on America’s ABC from 1955 to 1960.
Since then, it’s become Mickey Mouse’s theme song.
Above all, the march tempo of this tune lifts your spirits.
I bet even little kids playing musical chairs for the first time will stop crying and start happily walking and playing as soon as this song starts playing!