Fortnite map with sequined kimonos and disco balls gives players bizarre introduction to Japanese singer 

A new map in Fortnite has been dazzling players with limited-time musical performances as part of a free collaboration. It features a lively motion-captured performance by dancers wearing flashy sequined kimono, with the song’s iconic performer from Japan falling from the sky with a giant disco ball.  

This “Matsuken Samba Ⅱ Rise Up the World” collaboration is a tie-in with Japanese singer and actor Ken Matsudaira (or Matsuken, as he is affectionately known). The performance is of his most popular song in Japan, Matsuken Samba II. Originally released in 2004, the catchy song stayed in Japan’s Oricon charts for over a year (even getting a parody in the Gintama anime). The memorable combination of Matsuken and the dancers wearing a mixture of Edo period hairstyles and blingy sequined kimonos is faithfully recreated in the Fortnite collaboration (found at island code 1865-4829-7018). The collaboration map was first released in September, with other features added since then- such as a live concert held on October 18, and a bunch of exclusive missions and merch. Developer Aluche recently took to X to talk about the work that went into making it. 

Fortnite is no stranger to bizarre and unexpected collaborations- including a screening of Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech, Lady Gaga outfits and official Segway emotes. Celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the song, the Matsuken Samba Ⅱ Rise Up the World collaboration has not only brought back memories to some players, but has also introduced others (including players from overseas) to the track, as can be seen in recent YouTube comments on the song. 

Matsuken Samba II Rise up the World can be downloaded for free from Fortnite’s official website (requires Fortnite to play).