
America tries a little “Love Dance diplomacy” for Christmas.
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has just released a new video and it’s not as serious as you may expect. U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and her fellow staffers have found some time to spread a little Christmas cheer and goodwill to the people of Japan by dancing to the recently popular Koi Dance (koi meaning love in Japanese) made famous by a Japanese drama series.
Kennedy (who is sporting a Santa suit) is accompanied in her merry jig by a cast of U.S. diplomatic staff members from the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the U.S. Consulate in Nagoya and Fukuoka, and the U.S. Consulate General facilities in Osaka, Naha, and Sapporo.
▼ Staff at the U.S. Consulate Fukuoka doing the Koi Dance
▼ One guy at the U.S. Consulate in Nagoya also decided to have a go.
The Koi Dance comes from the “Koi” song that was made famous by the Japanese drama series Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu, which translates to Running Away is Shameful but Helpful, but goes by the English title, We Married as a Job! The moves were choreographed by MIKIKO, creator of dance routines for popular Japanese musical acts such as Perfume and Babymetal.
Online comments have included:
“If Trump does this I will donate 30,000 Big Mac burgers.”
“Thank God it wasn’t PPAP”
“This is awesome! This kind of surprise is great!”
“Let’s transcend boundaries!”
“This was one of my small dreams, to see a foreigner dance the Koi Dance! Thank you!”
The Koi Dance has generated wide spread attention with celebrities trying out the dance themselves all over Japan including Japan’s most popular male figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu.
What do you think of US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy’s dance effort?
Source: Hachima Kikou, YouTube/US Embassy Tokyo
Images: YouTube/US Embassy Tokyo



Sanrio characters Hello Kitty, Daniel, and Gudetama join in the new “Koi Dance” craze
US Ambassador Kennedy’s comment about pork irritates Japanese netizens
Otaku group gives own twist to popular “Love Dance”, internet can’t get enough 【Video】
Dragon Ball Z’s Frieza cheers on runners at Japan’s New Year’s relay race with Koi Dance【Vid】
Japanese fisherman becomes TikTok heartthrob, shares cute dance videos while working at sea
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
7-Eleven Japan releases new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing range for autumn, with a must-try daifuku and teriyaki burger
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Kobe middle schools begin abolishing extracurricular activities, shift to community programs
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
Japan’s Tsukimi One-hand Bento’s name is all wrong, but it still looks entirely delicious
Studio Ghibli unveils new My Neighbour Totoro Yearly Plate for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
U.S. Marines perform Japan’s hottest dance craze, share video through official account【Video】