How ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’ Became a Viral Sensation in Japan
In 2025, the world witnessed an unexpected cultural twist when the iconic Punjabi song “Tunak Tunak Tun” became a viral sensation in Japan. Originally released in 1998 by Indian pop legend Daler Mehndi, the song’s quirky beats, infectious dance moves, and colorful visuals made it an instant classic in India. But few could have predicted its sudden explosion of popularity in a country as culturally distant as Japan—more than two decades later.
The resurgence of “Tunak Tunak Tun” in Japan began quietly on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, where Japanese content creators started using the song in dance challenges and comedic skits. What started as a few viral clips quickly snowballed into a nationwide trend. Within days, hashtags like #TunakTunakTunChallenge and #PunjabiDanceJapan began trending. Young Japanese influencers were seen enthusiastically mimicking Daler Mehndi’s signature dance steps with perfect coordination and an evident sense of joy.
What made “Tunak Tunak Tun” click with Japanese audiences? Experts suggest it’s a mix of nostalgia, novelty, and algorithm-driven discovery. Japan has always had an appetite for quirky and energetic entertainment—something “Tunak Tunak Tun” delivers in full. Its colorful visuals, playful tone, and memorable hook made it a perfect fit for the kind of short-form content that thrives in Japan’s digital ecosystem.
Interestingly, the song’s recent virality isn’t limited to the younger generation. Even older Japanese citizens have joined in the fun, with some reacting to the music with admiration and genuine joy. One Japanese YouTuber noted, “This song is so happy—it’s like energy in music form.” Clearly, “Tunak Tunak Tun” has crossed cultural borders and age barriers alike.
From its original release to its sudden rise in Japan, “Tunak Tunak Tun” has become more than a song—it’s a movement. The virality is a testament to how unpredictable internet culture can be. In an era where content travels faster than ever, this 90s Punjabi hit is now redefining what cross-cultural virality looks like.
Moreover, Japanese news platforms and influencers began covering the song’s sudden reappearance, creating a domino effect. Brands, dance schools, and even language-learning pages picked it up. Japanese fans started doing side-by-side comparison videos of themselves and Daler Mehndi’s iconic dance moves. The rising curiosity extended to Indian pop culture, giving exposure to other songs in the same genre. Now, “Tunak Tunak Tun” is even being played in cafes, clubs, and variety shows, cementing its place in Japan’s music scene.
2. The History of ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’ in Japan: A 90s Punjabi Pop Icon
“Tunak Tunak Tun” holds a special place in India’s pop music history. Released in 1998, the song broke new ground for several reasons. It was Daler Mehndi’s response to critics who claimed that his popularity was solely due to backup dancers in his music videos. In reply, he created a video where he appeared as all four dancers—achieved through groundbreaking green screen technology at the time.
Although it was originally intended for Indian audiences, “Tunak Tunak Tun” quietly crossed borders over the years. By the early 2000s, it was being shared among internet communities worldwide. Gamers on platforms like World of Warcraft and YouTube creators in the early internet era used snippets of “Tunak Tunak Tun” in meme videos and humorous mashups.
In Japan, the song remained a cult favorite among anime and gaming fans. Forums like 2chan and Japanese Reddit threads often featured “Tunak Tunak Tun” in discussions about foreign music and humorous content. Despite not being a mainstream hit in Japan back then, it gained a niche following that slowly grew over the years.
The unique fusion of bhangra beats with sci-fi-inspired visuals struck a chord with Japanese audiences who appreciate visual storytelling and rhythmic dance. Daler Mehndi’s flamboyant persona, bright costumes, and bold performances resonated with Japanese aesthetics rooted in anime, cosplay, and J-pop.
What’s fascinating is how “Tunak Tunak Tun” never truly disappeared—it lingered in the background of digital culture until it found its moment in 2025. Its status as a pop icon was cemented not only in India but now also in Japan, creating a rare musical bridge between the two nations.
In retrospect, “Tunak Tunak Tun” has always been ahead of its time. Its originality, humor, and visual appeal gave it the strength to become a timeless piece that could resonate far beyond its original borders. Now, with Japan embracing it more than ever, its legacy as a global pop icon is firmly sealed.
The song also stood out as one of the earliest Indian music videos to achieve viral fame online even before the term “viral” became a mainstream concept. Japanese culture has always appreciated uniqueness and authenticity, and Daler Mehndi’s unwavering confidence and colorful expression found an audience who could relate to his bold artistry.
The evolution of “Tunak Tunak Tun” in Japan over the years tells us that some creations are simply timeless. Despite linguistic and cultural differences, the song’s energy and originality resonate across decades and borders, making it a true 90s icon in both India and Japan.
3. Why Japanese Audiences Are Loving the 25-Year-Old Song ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’
The renewed love for “Tunak Tunak Tun” in Japan reflects more than just a fleeting internet trend—it demonstrates a genuine connection that audiences have formed with the song, even 25 years after its release. One of the key reasons Japanese fans are embracing the track is its infectious positivity. In a digital world increasingly filled with negative news and online outrage, “Tunak Tunak Tun” offers pure, unfiltered joy.
Japanese audiences, known for their appreciation of unique and artistic expressions, find the song’s whimsical energy both amusing and uplifting. Many cite the feel-good nature of “Tunak Tunak Tun” as a mental escape from the pressures of modern life. The visual presentation—a colorful array of Daler Mehndi clones dancing against fantastical backdrops—feels both surreal and delightful.
Another factor that plays into the Japanese affection for “Tunak Tunak Tun” is its meme-worthy nature. Japanese humor often appreciates absurdity, and this song delivers just that. Daler Mehndi’s exaggerated gestures and dramatic performance are interpreted not as awkward but as artistic and boldly entertaining. Online forums have even analyzed his costume colors and synchronized movements with philosophical depth, as only Japanese fandoms can.
The song has also started sparking interest in Indian culture among Japanese youth. Social media comments from Japanese fans express fascination with Indian music, attire, and dance. Some schools have even held multicultural assemblies featuring student performances of “Tunak Tunak Tun.” Cultural curiosity is expanding into deeper exploration, with Japanese creators collaborating with Indian artists and dancers.
Additionally, the nostalgia factor cannot be ignored. Some Japanese adults recall encountering “Tunak Tunak Tun” on early internet platforms or through international friends in the 2000s. The song serves as a time capsule, a bridge between the past and the present. In the current age of algorithm-driven content, even the most niche memory can be revived and go viral overnight.
As this musical revival continues, many Japanese musicians and influencers have acknowledged Daler Mehndi’s originality. Some are remixing “Tunak Tunak Tun” with modern J-pop or Lo-Fi beats. Dance crews are recreating the choreography in their own styles. Even television channels have picked up the trend, airing segments on the surprising popularity of the song.
In essence, Japanese audiences are loving “Tunak Tunak Tun” because it checks multiple boxes: it’s joyful, visually unique, musically catchy, and rich in meme potential. This blend of humor, culture, and music has allowed the song to transcend its original purpose and become something entirely new—a cultural bridge connecting two vastly different nations through rhythm and joy.
4. Social Media Reactions to ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’: Global Buzz Around the Comeback
The viral comeback of “Tunak Tunak Tun” would not be complete without the electrifying reactions it’s receiving across social media. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube are overflowing with tributes, dance challenges, reaction videos, and nostalgic posts about the 1998 Daler Mehndi hit. It’s not just Japan; netizens from the U.S., South Korea, Indonesia, and India are joining the digital revival.
Japanese influencers have played a major role in this online resurgence. Hashtags like #TunakTunakTunJapan and #DesiDanceTrend are making waves, with content creators racking up millions of views. One standout video shows a Japanese family—grandparents included—dancing to the beat in traditional yukata while replicating Daler Mehndi’s moves, and it’s been shared across cultures.
Social media users are praising how inclusive and uplifting the trend feels. The comment sections are filled with users appreciating Indian culture, laughing at the song’s entertaining visual style, or simply saying how they couldn’t stop humming the chorus. Comments such as “This is what the internet was made for” or “Best crossover of the year!” reflect how wide-reaching and beloved the song’s resurgence has become.
International celebrities and influencers have also chimed in. A Korean dance crew performed their version of “Tunak Tunak Tun” in Tokyo Tower, while a famous American Twitch streamer used the track for their reaction video to Japanese street culture. These endorsements have further amplified the song’s virality, introducing it to even more global audiences.
The nostalgia aspect is equally strong. Many millennials remember watching “Tunak Tunak Tun” on music channels or early internet videos. Seeing it trend again has sparked emotional throwbacks, leading to users resharing their old dance covers or creating side-by-side remakes comparing their current and childhood versions.
From a branding perspective, some businesses have capitalized on the trend too. A Japanese cafe introduced a “Tunak Tunak Shake,” and dance studios now offer bhangra-style workout classes using the song. This intersection of commercialism and culture further proves how influential the digital revival of “Tunak Tunak Tun” has become.
Ultimately, social media has served as the ultimate amplifier for this musical phenomenon. The global buzz around “Tunak Tunak Tun” proves that good vibes, catchy rhythms, and a bit of quirkiness can resonate anywhere. With each new post, video, and duet challenge, the song’s legacy only grows stronger—fueling its evolution from a nostalgic favorite to a digital cultural landmark.
5. What ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’s’ Comeback Reveals About Cross-Cultural Music Influence in Japan
The resurgence of “Tunak Tunak Tun” in Japan reveals much about the evolving nature of cross-cultural music exchange. In an increasingly globalized digital ecosystem, songs are no longer confined to their country of origin. What makes the revival of this 25-year-old Punjabi hit even more fascinating is how it reflects Japan’s openness to global art forms and the power of internet-driven cultural convergence.
Historically, Japan has absorbed and transformed cultural imports—be it jazz, hip-hop, or reggae—into unique localized interpretations. “Tunak Tunak Tun” is now joining this list, embraced not as a novelty but as an appreciated artistic expression. The enthusiastic reception speaks to Japan’s admiration for vibrant, theatrical, and heartfelt performances—traits that define Daler Mehndi’s style.
The influence is reciprocal too. Indian artists are recognizing Japan’s sudden interest in their work. This has sparked a new wave of Indo-Japanese collaborations, from dance mashups to bilingual covers. Music producers in both countries are exploring fusion tracks that blend bhangra beats with Japanese instrumental motifs.
Furthermore, “Tunak Tunak Tun” challenges assumptions about linguistic and cultural barriers in music. Though the lyrics are in Punjabi, the emotions and rhythm transcend language. Japanese fans have even begun learning Punjabi words and mimicking the phonetics with surprising accuracy in their cover videos. This demonstrates music’s unmatched ability to unify people.
Educational institutions have also taken note. Japanese universities hosting cultural festivals have included “Tunak Tunak Tun” performances in their programs. Panels discussing global music trends have cited the song as a case study in cultural revival through digital media. It’s being looked at not just as a viral hit, but as a vehicle of intercultural understanding.
The song’s comeback underscores how powerful nostalgia and digital discovery are in today’s interconnected age. With platforms like TikTok and YouTube recommending international content regardless of geography, audiences are forming deeper connections with music from around the world. “Tunak Tunak Tun” is the perfect storm—its joyful tone, danceable rhythm, and unforgettable visuals are perfectly tuned for virality in any language.
This trend also indicates a broader shift: audiences are more curious and accepting of foreign content. What was once seen as “too different” is now celebrated. In this global musical melting pot, “Tunak Tunak Tun” has gone from a local Indian hit to a global cross-cultural ambassador.
As we witness its continued climb in popularity, “Tunak Tunak Tun” reminds us that music knows no borders. It speaks directly to the human experience—joy, creativity, and unity. Whether you’re in Delhi or Tokyo, this song now belongs to the world.