The Super Mario Bros. theme, also known as the “ground theme,” “overworld theme,” or perhaps just “da-da-da-dada-da-da!” is arguably the most well-known piece of video game music in the world. First recorded for the NES game in 1985 by Nintendo’s in-house musician Koji Kondo, the track was designed to fit the action and pacing of the platformer, and added a light, whimsical accompaniment to gameplay that might otherwise have felt entirely different without it.
Thousands of people have attempted to tweak and cover this iconic track over the years, tackling it with a variety of instruments. More often than not, the result is the same – a great track is a great track regardless of the person playing it, after all – but occasionally someone with real talent comes along and blow us all away with a rendition that we almost wish Nintendo would include in their next Mario adventure.
Russian guitarist Igor Presnyakov’s cover of the overworld theme is one such rendition.

Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater curry has a photo that looks deceptive but it’s a star performer
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Starbucks Japan celebrates Christmas with multipurpose gingerbread cookies
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
These creative, fanciful post boxes from Japan will delight you in so many ways【Photos】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
These creative, fanciful post boxes from Japan will delight you in so many ways【Photos】
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the overnight bus and not lose your sanity
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
The world’s most expensive tissues? Might as well wipe your boogers on a $100 bill!
Does Pizza Hut Japan’s new “Too Much Coriander Pizza” really contain too much coriander?