Super Mario Theme Inspires Hand Hygiene: New Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra Promotes Safety with Nintendo Music

In a unique celebration of both public health and video game culture, the New Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra has brought the iconic Super Mario theme to life with a new purpose: promoting hand hygiene amidst ongoing safety efforts.

Known as Japan’s first professional orchestra specializing in video game music, the New Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra has released a special performance of the classic Super Mario Bros.

theme, leveraging the universal appeal of Nintendo’s legendary mascot. With the enduring popularity of Super Mario, a franchise that has sold over 380 million units globally as of 2023, the orchestra’s rendition is more than just a nostalgic performance.

It’s a practical tool to promote the health guidelines recommended by public health organizations.

The orchestra’s video aligns with current coronavirus safety advice, encouraging listeners to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds—the duration it takes to finish the opening Overworld Theme in their arrangement. The orchestra explained that starting the Super Mario melody at the same time as handwashing provides a fun, memorable way to time this important activity.

By the conclusion of the Course Clear Fanfare—a sequence that runs just past the 30-second mark—viewers will have exceeded the recommended minimum handwashing time.

This creative approach brings together gamers and non-gamers alike, using Nintendo’s beloved music in the fight to keep communities safe. Drawing from the rich history of video game music, the New Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra continues to innovate, cementing its status as a pioneering ensemble in the industry.

The group is widely recognized for high-quality performances of music from classic Nintendo franchises such as Super Mario, a series originally developed by Nintendo and Shigeru Miyamoto in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), now playable across Nintendo Switch and numerous platforms via the eShop and classic collections. Beyond entertaining fans, this initiative highlights the powerful role video game culture can play in public service campaigns.

The worldwide popularity of the Super Mario theme—often counted among the most recognizable tunes in gaming—allows key safety messages to reach a broad, diverse audience. As always, audiences are reminded to stay informed with the latest health guidelines through trusted and official sources.

Still, finding practical joy and motivation in something as familiar as the Super Mario theme makes daily acts of care that much easier for Nintendo fans globally.

This creative effort from the New Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra is a perfect example of how entertainment and safety can go hand in hand.

Nintendo Music Nintendo Mario Japan Super Mario New Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra Super Mario theme