J-pop star Gen Hoshino’s “Uchide Odorou” (“Dancing on the Inside”) was arguably supposed to be a simple distraction during uncertain times. More a sketch than a song, the musician invited others to share their own adaptations to a melody that touched on life amid COVID-19. And a number did, from other prominent musicians and actors to a very quick-thinking dog.
It was a charming meme that doubled as an activity in which people staying inside could engage in to kill some time, one of many celebrity-powered pastimes that have been created during the state of emergency. And then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe got involved and ruined the fun, sharing his take on Hoshino’s challenge on April 12.
Abe didn’t actually add any musical flourishes to “Uchide Odorou,” but rather contrasted the video of Hoshino playing guitar with shots of himself sitting on a couch, drinking coffee and watching TV, among other activities. It was meant to be a somewhat whimsical message of support encouraging everyone to stay home — look, Japan’s prime minister has a dog, how unexpected!