How a 14-Year-Old Sakanaction Song Became One of Japan’s Biggest Hits of 2026

Nearly 14 years after its original release, Sakanaction’s “Yoru no Odoriko” has found an unexpected new life, introducing the Japanese rock band to a new generation of listeners around the world.

Originally released in August 2012, “Yoru no Odoriko” has experienced a massive resurgence in popularity throughout 2026 after the song became associated with a viral internet trend originating from Indonesia.

The unlikely revival began with videos surrounding Pacu Jalur, a traditional boat race held in Indonesia’s Riau province. Footage of a young dancer performing from the front of one of the boats quickly spread across social media, with the distinctive pose and movements inspiring countless recreations and memes around the world.

As the trend continued to grow, “Yoru no Odoriko” became one of the songs associated with the viral phenomenon, bringing Sakanaction’s music to an entirely new international audience.

The sudden popularity of the track has since translated beyond short-form videos and internet memes. Streaming numbers for “Yoru no Odoriko” have surged, with the nearly 14-year-old release returning to music charts and becoming one of the most unexpected Japanese music success stories of 2026.

For Sakanaction, the viral success also represents an unusual international breakthrough for a band that has already spent more than two decades as one of Japan’s most recognisable alternative rock acts.

Formed in Hokkaido in 2005, Sakanaction have built their identity around a distinctive combination of rock, electronic and dance music. Led by vocalist and songwriter Ichiro Yamaguchi, the five-member band have released numerous successful songs throughout their career, including “Shin Takarajima,” “Wasurerarenaino” and “Music.”

“Yoru no Odoriko” was originally released as the band’s seventh single on August 29, 2012. The song would later appear on their self-titled sixth studio album, Sakanaction, released the following year.

More than a decade later, the track’s unexpected return demonstrates the increasingly unpredictable way older Japanese music can find new audiences through social media.

Rather than a new release or major promotional campaign, a viral video originating thousands of kilometres away from Japan has transformed “Yoru no Odoriko” into a global hit nearly 14 years after listeners first heard it.

For Sakanaction, one of their most recognisable songs has suddenly become something entirely new: an international introduction to the band for a generation of listeners who may not have even been born when it was first released.