Be honest, when someone says “Chotto Matte Kudasai”, you already know what it means, right?
You don’t need subtitles.
You don’t need translation.
You definitely don’t need an explanation.
And for Chinese New Year 2026, MR.DIY has taken that very familiar phrase and turned it into a full-on festive song that feels… a little too relatable.
A phrase we’ve all been using without realising it
“Chotto Matte Kudasai” loosely means “wait a moment” in Japanese, but somehow, it’s also a phrase many Malaysians have casually picked up over the years. You hear it in jokes, online videos, or even from friends who randomly drop it mid-conversation.
MR.DIY leans straight into that shared cultural moment with its new CNY song, cleverly playing around with the word “KUDA”, which also sounds like 马 (horse) just in time for the Year of the Horse.
Oh, if you haven’t watched it yet, the “Chotto Matte Kudasai” Music Video is now available on all MR.DIY’s official social media channels and music streaming platforms, where the playful concept and festive visuals really bring the song to life.
Throw in a catchy melody and festive vibes, and suddenly, you’ve got a song that feels less like a traditional CNY anthem and more like something you’d actually hum without realising.
In fact, the song has already caught international attention — popular Japanese dance group Avantgardey has even released their own cover of “Chotto Matte Kudasai”, adding extra buzz around the track online.
That ✋ gesture every Malaysian love to use
Then comes the part that really seals it, the powerful ✋ STOP hand gesture.
If you’ve watched the music video, you’ll know exactly what we mean. It’s simple, expressive, and very Malaysian. The kind of hand gesture you’d use when crossing a busy road, greeting someone from across the mamak, or calling a friend over with just one look.
MR.DIY turned that everyday motion into the visual identity of the song, making it instantly recognisable and, honestly, quite fun to imitate.
CHOTTO MATTE KUDASAI!!! There’s a challenge and the prizes are not small!
MR.DIY has also launched the Chotto Matte Kudasai Challenge, inviting Malaysians to get creative using the song. The prizes this time are definitely worth getting creative for.
- Grand Prize x1: RM8,888 cash
- Second Prize x3: 10g gold bar (worth up to RM5,500)
- Third Prize x5: 100g silver bar (worth up to RM1,200)
- Consolation Prize x12: RM688 cash
On top of that, the first 50 successful and eligible submissions will each receive a RM50 MR.DIY cash voucher.
The challenge runs from 15 January to 3 March 2026, and all you need to do is:
- Record a video showing the ✋ STOP gesture or a dance cover with “Chotto Matte Kudasai” song as your background music
- Post it on social media with #ChottoMatteDIY and tag @MR.DIY
Submit your entry through the official form HERE
There’s MORE festive fun beyond the song!
In addition to the song, MR.DIY has also rolled out a brand-new Chinese New Year webfilm <The Family Trial 2> as part of this year’s festive campaign.
The webfilm continues from last year’s storyline and features Hong Kong actor Kenneth Ma 马国明 alongside Yuan Teng 原藤, centering on two brothers whose relationship is strained after their father’s passing, only for long-misunderstood love and sacrifice to surface as the story unfolds.
A surprise moment featuring a “Malaysian lookalike” of Kenneth Ma also adds a playful twist that’s already getting viewers talking.
After watching it, we’d say this isn’t just another festive short film made for the season, it’s the kind that quietly pulls at your heart.
Between the family tension, unspoken care, and an emotional payoff toward the end, it’s easy to see why viewers are calling it touching enough to bring a tear or two.
If you’re the type who enjoys forwarding meaningful CNY webfilms into the family WhatsApp group, this one is likely going straight onto your share list.
Beyond the screen, the celebrations extend into real life too. MR.DIY will be hosting festive in-store activities during the CNY period, bringing the holiday vibes straight to shoppers.
Expect crowd-favourites like face-changing shows, calligraphy sessions, Deuk Deuk Tong, Dragon’s Beard Candy demonstrations, appearances by the God of Wealth, and even the PANDAi mascot popping up for fun interactions.
All of these will be happening on 7 February at MR.DIY Plus in Mid Valley Megamall KL. So, don’t miss out, lock your calendar and see you there!
Alongside these activities, MR.DIY will also be rolling out a lineup of Chinese New Year products and promotions to get shoppers fully into the festive mood.
But even with the webfilm and in-store festivities in the mix, “Chotto Matte Kudasai” already feels like it has everything it needs to stand out on its own; catchy, familiar, and built around something Malaysians instantly understand.
