
Follow their lead and watch these cool dudes set the darkness on fire.
Wotagei is a type of Japanese choreographed dance executed using high-intensity glow sticks at night, predominantly performed by idol otaku. Flailing along to funky beats with unmatched agility, few groups have ventured into English pop music.
One such group is Kita no Uchishi Tachi (Northern Flailers) who recently set the unique wotagei scene alight with their energetic performance of a remixed version of popular English song, Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You.”
▼ A video of that stylish choreography can be seen here.
Contorting their bodies and feverishly swinging colorful glow sticks like well-oiled machines, their explosive movements are truly a sight to behold. In fact, I would pay good money to watch a live performance of it.
▼ Modern age Jedi masters of the dark
▼ Special effects provide extra magic
to an already stellar dance routine.
Japanese netizens were delighted by the electrifying show of lights:
“The Northern Flailers are advancing overseas!”
“You guys are good and the performance is fantastic.”
“Please do Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘I Really Like You’ and ‘Good Time.’ That twist dive move was amazing.”
“That’s just too cool!”
More than “Shape of You,” the Northern Flailers are best known for their remarkable performance of anime theme song, “Uchiage Hanabi” (“Fireworks”).
▼ Their “Uchiage Hanabi” routine has garnered
over 1.1 million views on YouTube.
The team’s uplifting routine is enhanced by equally impressive pyrotechnic special effects, producing a fascinating choreography that’ll make any wotagei fan proud.
▼ They’d light up the night as well as any fireworks display.
The world needs more wotagei performances, and luckily for us other awesome wotagei groups have also shifted their focus from idol music to pop music.
Here’s to hoping the Northern Flailers will continue to rise in popularity outside of Japan, perhaps by busting out some more English hits like Ed Sheeran’s “Galway Girl” or Justin Bieber’s “2U.”
Source, images: YouTube/Kita no Uchishi Tachi




Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
Studio Ghibli adds My Neighbour Totoro futon bedding to its anime store in Japan
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Japanese soccer fans show excellent manners as World Cup opens[Pics, video]
Japanese Sakuranbo Mochi goes viral online with millions of views, but is it worth the hype?
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor