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Piko Taro and Sakurako Ohara Perform "Student Discount Dance" with 200 Students!
SoftBank held the event "Student Discount Festival ~ Let's Dance Together for a Live Recording!" at Bellesalle Shiodome in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, on March 14.
"Gakuwaratteru?" is a phrase representing the company's student discount campaign "Super Student," also used in TV commercials featuring global star Justin Bieber. To support students nationwide, the company created the "Gakuwaratteru Dance" and released it on its official YouTube channel.
https://youtu.be/uUqqOU1NQPY
On the day, 200 students recruited from the public and guests enjoyed dancing together, with the event captured on video. After participants finished rehearsing with smiles yet serious focus, guest performers Piko Taro—who gained global fame with the song "PPAP"—and actress Sakurako Ohara appeared on stage, drawing cheers from the audience. Both appear in Super Student TV commercials.
Ohara, who has dance experience, said, "It's a difficult dance, so today I want to do my best with everyone's support. Let's have a fun time!" She shared her tip: "I practiced by saying the choreography out loud to memorize the dance." Piko Taro shared an anecdote about filming the commercial with Mr. Beaver: "Justin's high-fives are so powerful they hurt a little!" he laughed. "Even during breaks, he greeted me in Japanese and said things like 'That's a sexy outfit!' He's such a good guy!" He revealed the "PPAP" moves were inspired by Japanese dance, joking, "The 'Gakuwaratteru' dance is tough because it's so fast. Given my age, I'd appreciate fewer takes during recording," before performing "PPAP" to the crowd's delight.
For the actual shoot, they recorded two versions: one where the two guests faced the students on stage while dancing, and another where they danced alongside the students on the same floor. Everyone was perfectly in sync, and the shoot wrapped up smoothly. Ohara commented, "Everyone was amazing. This is the most fun I've ever had dancing!" As a surprise, they brought in the "Dad Dog" from the famous "Shirotokke" commercial series, announcing that participants could take commemorative photos with him today, sparking cheers of delight.
The venue featured a display of costumes used in the commercials and a recreated corner with the same lectern seen in the ads. Participants enjoyed taking commemorative photos with their smartphones and posting them on social media.
Related Article:
SoftBank's New Commercial Featuring Justin Bieber and Pikotaro Begins Airing[February 17, 2017]
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