Have you ever wondered what the actual name of the can-can song is?
In 1858 an opera called Orpheus in the Underworld premiered in France. Composed by Jacques Offenbach, this is not a work that is all that well-known outside of certain very specific circles. And yet, you almost certainly know the song that is used in Act 2, Scene 2. This is because this piece, called “Infernal Galop” in English, also happens to be that instantly recognizable song that today is synonymous with the traditional dance known as the can-can.
Interestingly enough, the “can-can song” also happens to be one of the most popular pieces of music used for a type of Japanese meme known as an “Oto MAD” video. Basically the Japanese equivalent of what in English is sometimes referred to as a “YouTube Poop Music Video,” Oto MAD videos consist of TV show, movie, video game, commercial, and sound clips sequenced to go with the rhythm and melody of a song or sometimes multiple songs. Even if that somewhat long-winded explanation doesn’t quite ring a bell, don’t worry because odds are the second you see one of these videos, you’ll totally get it.
Today, we’ll be taking a look at a selection of five videos that use “Infernal Galop,” or as it is called in Japanese “Tengoku to Jigoku” (Heaven & Hell). Many, if not all of these videos were initially uploaded to the Japanese video sharing site Nico Nico Douga but eventually made their way to YouTube. Also, although many Oto MAD makers still use this song in their videos today, the majority of these videos on this list date back to the meme’s heyday which was right around the late 2000s. So, with that in mind, get ready to be either incredibly annoyed or thoroughly entertained by these nonsensical videos.
5. Yu-Gi-)h!
Featuring many of your favorite Yu-Gi-Oh! characters, this crazy video will surely make you want to d-d-d-d-duel.
4. An Old Japanese Oreo Commercial
This one uses clips from a old Japanese commercial. Very memorable.
3. Z-Kai
This one uses clips from a somewhat strange, somewhat comical series of commercials for a Japanese cram school called Z-Kai. For a while these Z-Kai commercials were extremely popular among people who make Oto MAD videos.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
This one is a real classic and for good reason. It’s quite intricate, very well-made, and uses a very large selection of sound clips from this beloved Nintendo 64 game.
1. Ultraman
This Ultraman one is silly as hell and features a whole lot of “dancing.” How can you go wrong with that?
If for some reason you’re not sick of these videos yet and want to learn even more about this meme and its history, you should check out this very informative article on Know Your Meme.
Image: 【Z会×天国と地獄】合格と不合格[MAD]
