- Introduction: Why Are People Chanting “Nittai-dai” Online?
- Chapter 1: The Origin – A Cheer from the Sidelines
- Chapter 2: Going Viral – When Energy Meets Algorithm
- Chapter 3: The Evolution – From Meme to Mainstream
- Chapter 4: Who Is “Mendy-aniki”?
- Chapter 5: Cultural Mechanics – Why This Meme Endures
- Chapter 6: The Deeper Symbolism – A Meme of Self-Liberation
- Chapter 7: Personal Memories – Alumni and Everyday Echoes
- Chapter 8: Where and How the Meme Is Used Today
- Chapter 9: Should You Use the Nittai-dai Meme?
- Chapter 10: Final Takeaway – A Chant That Refuses to Die
Introduction: Why Are People Chanting “Nittai-dai” Online?
It begins with a chant:
“Let’s go, Nittai-dai! Nittai-dai, Nittai-dai, Nittai-dai! Woo!”
If you’ve ever stumbled upon this energetic call online—be it in a TikTok remix, a live concert mashup, or a Japanese TV commercial—you’ve witnessed the infectious legacy of the Nittai-dai Call, a meme born from a university football graduation and grown into a cultural phenomenon.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- Where the meme originated
- How it spread across subcultures and industries
- What makes it stick so deeply in Japanese internet lore
- How its rhythm, character, and symbolism transcend parody
Chapter 1: The Origin – A Cheer from the Sidelines
The “Nittai-dai Call” was first captured in a 2016 video of a graduation ceremony at Nippon Sport Science University (日本体育大学, Nittai-dai).
Leading the chant was a charismatic American football player named Kelly Igwe Shoichi, affectionately known online as “Mendy-aniki”.
With unmatched energy, he roared:
“Let’s go Nittai-dai!”
(ニッタイダイ！ニッタイダイ！ニッタイダイ！ウーーー！)
It was part of a traditional team send-off, designed to hype up teammates, honor the graduating class, and instill school pride.
This was no performance for the camera. It was raw, unscripted, and driven by heart. That may be why it struck such a chord once uploaded to social media.
Chapter 2: Going Viral – When Energy Meets Algorithm
At the time of the original upload, the term “viral” wasn’t yet used casually in Japan—but the video certainly qualified.
- Shared widely on Twitter and YouTube, it racked up views rapidly.
- Memes and comments focused on the relentless rhythm, catchy repetition, and Mendy-aniki’s magnetic presence.
- Soon, people began reposting, remixing, and parodying the clip.
Notable Highlights:
- The call became part of sports memes, dance remixes, and audio soundboards.
- It was sampled by DJs and adapted into chants at clubs and concerts.
- A “Nittai-dai MIX” remix was even used at anime-themed music events, blending sport spirit with otaku culture.
Chapter 3: The Evolution – From Meme to Mainstream
Several years later, the Nittai-dai Call resurfaced in an unexpected context: TV commercials.
Major Japanese brands like Nissin Foods and LIFULL HOME’S crafted campaigns inspired by the chant’s cadence. Their slogans became:
“Mottainai! Mottainai! Mottainai!” (Too good to waste!)
These ads cleverly mirrored the rhythm of the original call while inserting brand messages, showing how deeply embedded the chant had become in public consciousness.
Expert Analysis:
- According to AdverTimes (a Japanese marketing industry outlet), these commercials weren’t mere parodies.
They were homages—paying tribute to a viral moment while transforming it for mainstream consumption.
🌀 A meme that began on a college field ended up in corporate boardrooms. That’s power.
Chapter 4: Who Is “Mendy-aniki”?
The central figure behind the chant, Kelly Igwe Shoichi (a.k.a. Mendy-aniki), has since embraced his internet fame.
In interviews, he recounts how the meme changed his life:
- He didn’t even understand it had “gone viral” at first.
- Years later, people still recognized him and shared the video.
- It opened doors into YouTube creation, brand collaborations, and even motivational speaking.
Mendy now looks back on the chant as a symbol of positivity, saying:
“I just wanted to encourage my teammates.
If that energy still lifts people up today, I’m honored.”
Chapter 5: Cultural Mechanics – Why This Meme Endures
Let’s pause and unpack why this call resonates so deeply.
1. Repetition + Rhythm = Retention
The chant is built like a jingle. Its tight rhythmic structure makes it perfect for:
- Sampling
- Call-and-response remixes
- Dance routines
- Meme loops
2. Embodied Emotion
Unlike text-based memes, the Nittai-dai Call involves:
- Voice
- Body movement
- Facial expression
It’s not just watched—it’s felt.
3. Japanese “Mix” Culture
In Japan, “mix” refers to rhythmic shouts and cheers used at concerts and anime DJ events.
The Nittai-dai Call fits seamlessly into this ecosystem, giving it crossover appeal in:
- Otaku communities
- Live events
- Doujin remixes
🌀 The meme didn’t spread despite Japanese subcultures—it thrived through them.
Chapter 6: The Deeper Symbolism – A Meme of Self-Liberation
According to blogger Karubonsan Taro, the Nittai-dai Call is more than just a catchy chant — it’s an act of emotional release.
“It’s rare in Japanese culture to shout from your chest without shame.
This meme gave people permission to express joy loudly.”
He argues that the chant evokes something powerful: the courage to be visible, vocal, and vibrant in a culture that often values restraint.
Symbolism Unpacked:
- Voice = Self-assertion
- Group chant = Belonging
- Exaggeration = Celebration of life’s absurdities
In that sense, the meme aligns with other global trends (like flash mobs or football chants) that use collective energy to transcend daily monotony.
Chapter 7: Personal Memories – Alumni and Everyday Echoes
TikTok users and bloggers alike have shared personal reflections:
- “We used to practice the chant before every match. Seeing it online makes me nostalgic.”
- “I showed the video to my kids. They started doing the call around the house!”
For many alumni of Nittai-dai, the call represents:
- Brotherhood/sisterhood
- The bittersweet close of college life
- A moment of raw, undiluted pride
It’s become common at graduation events and athletic send-offs far beyond the original team. In that sense, it’s no longer just a meme — it’s a ritual.
Chapter 8: Where and How the Meme Is Used Today
Despite its age, the Nittai-dai Call continues to evolve. Here’s how it’s used across platforms:
| Platform | Usage Example |
|---|---|
| TikTok | Energy boost memes, glow-up transitions, reaction loops |
| Anime DJ Events | Call overlays in mix sets (e.g., “Nittai-dai MIX”) |
| TV Commercials | Rhythmic slogans imitating the chant |
| Graduation Ceremonies | Still performed at Nittai-dai and other universities |
It also inspires remixes in the “baki-baki” (hardcore) subculture, a genre of music rooted in high-intensity rhythms and self-expression. On YouTube, channels like Baki Baki Dōtei even analyzed the meme’s structure and remixability.
Chapter 9: Should You Use the Nittai-dai Meme?
✅ Good Use Cases:
- Team-building videos
- High-energy intros
- Comedy or parody of motivational culture
- Cultural education or meme retrospectives
⚠️ Use with Sensitivity:
- The chant comes from a real graduation tradition, not satire.
- Avoid mocking or stereotyping Japanese culture.
- Try to credit the original source (Mendy-aniki and Nittai-dai) when possible.
🌀 Like many memes, this one can either connect or caricature. It depends on your tone.
Chapter 10: Final Takeaway – A Chant That Refuses to Die
The Nittai-dai Call isn’t just a relic of 2010s Japan — it’s a living, shouting, remixing reminder that:
- Energy is contagious.
- Pride can be joyful.
- Real voices matter.
What began as a heartfelt send-off to graduates has become a universal expression of hype, humor, and human connection.
Whether you hear it in a club, a CM, or a graduation video, one thing is certain:
Nittai-dai, Nittai-dai, Nittai-dai… WOOOO!
That spirit? It’s still echoing.
