Viral Mario twerking video experiences a revival among Japanese audiences 

An infamous parody video featuring a twerking Mario has been enjoying a resurgence among Japanese social media users this week. The clip, which shows Nintendo’s Italian plumber getting a series of butt enlargements and reductions as he rushes to a dance party, has incited a variety of amused reactions as well as concerns about Nintendo’s reaction. 

It can be quite difficult to make fun of Nintendo. While the video game company has some of the most accessible and family-friendly franchises in the industry, it is also notoriously strict when it comes to protecting its properties. Copyright strikes from Nintendo are no laughing matter, as violators are often met with immediate and severe punishments. That said, these restrictions haven’t stopped brave souls from putting Mario and his pals in wacky situations. 

In September 2023, the Instagram account mariokartweee posted a fanmade video in which Nintendo’s Mario passes through a series of gates similar to those found in certain net browser-based puzzle games. Instead of getting taller or obtaining power-ups, however, Mario’s butt size proportionally increases or decreases based on the numerical values listed on the gates. This plus-sized Mario then reaches the end of the level (which is set at a dance party, no less) where he engages in a twerking battle against a woman with equally large behind. Thanks to his unique route and dance skills, Mario beats his adversary and wins the contest. 

The video of the fake game has recently been getting a lot of attention on Japanese social media, particularly on X. A repost by user 84kb has amassed around 11 million views and 1,140 quotes in only 4 days. Most of the comments join in on the fun that the video promotes, referencing Tanooki Suit moves and Super Mario 64 glitches. Others wonder if Nintendo’s legal department will shut the video down now that more Japanese eyes have seen it. 

This isn’t the first time Mario’s butt has been talked about and it most likely won’t be the last. The Italian plumber has had a tail attached to his behind with the Tanooki Suit, and his reduced butt size in 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie was a hot topic amongst Mario purists. The Mario twerking video captured Japanese users’ attention months after its original posting– demonstrating that unofficial parodies have the potential to amuse fans from around the world.