Musical chairs is a game loved by everyone from kids to adults! Have you played it at least once?
In this article, we’ll introduce music and BGM perfect for musical chairs.
Many people wonder what kind of music to play during the game.
So we’ve put together a big list of recommendations, including the classics “Oklahoma Mixer” and “Mayim Mayim,” popular children’s songs, dance tracks, and well-known J-pop hits.
If you’re looking for songs that are easy for kids to walk to, or tracks that will get everyone hyped, be sure to check these out!
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Classic songs for musical chairs. Easy to walk to! Fun to listen to! Recommended tracks (1–10).
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.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
LiSA’s song Gurenge was used as the theme song for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and became a massive hit, even turning into a social phenomenon.
It’s also a rare track that topped the Oricon charts right at the transition from the Heisei to the Reiwa era.
Its driving, intense rock sound and LiSA’s soaring vocals perfectly matched the anime’s opening.
Now that the song is widely known among both children and adults, it’s also a great choice as background music for a game of musical chairs.
DynamiteBTS
“Dynamite” is perfect as BGM for a grown-ups’ game of musical chairs.
Released by BTS in 2020, the single was a massive hit, topping the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks.
Its uptempo vibe will get your body moving, making it an ideal track to play during the game.
It’s fun not only to walk, but to add a little dance to your steps like BTS while you circle the chairs.
Give it a try at your adults-only party!
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!
Ebi KanicsKeroponzu
A hugely popular Keropons song among kids and moms, it’s included on the album of the same title, “Ebi Kanix,” released in 2002.
An official video was posted on YouTube in 2012, and it’s now surpassed 100 million views! It’s an upbeat, super-fun number that incorporates elements of aerobics.
You can dance and sing along while striking shrimp and crab poses that Japanese people love! Highly recommended as background music for musical chairs in kindergartens and nursery schools.
swallowYOASOBI with Midorīzu
Popular across generations, “Tsubame” by YOASOBI with Midories is the theme song for NHK’s children’s SDGs program ‘Hirogare! Irotoridori,’ featuring vocals by Midories, a group of five children from first to fifth grade.
The song’s world is brimming with love, transcending generations, and even conjures an image of everyone around the world playing musical chairs together.
Play this track during a game of musical chairs that kids and adults alike can enjoy, and it’s sure to be a hit!
A I U E O musicGReeeeN
GReeeeN are masked artists who juggle careers as dentists while performing as a vocal group.
“Aiueo Ongaku” was released as a digital-only single on April 24, 2013.
It was selected as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime series LINE OFFLINE: Salaryman and LINE TOWN, and the music video features a collaboration with LINE’s original characters and choreographer Jonte’ Moaning, who works with top artists around the world.
The melody, inspired by the 50 Japanese syllables, is easy to get into and hugely popular with kids.
Try adding it to your musical chairs playlist!