[2025] Bon Odori songs every kid knows! A roundup of fun festival tunes

Kinnikuman Ondo

Kinnikuman ED 3 Widescreen “Kinnikuman Ondo”

Kinnikuman is a pro-wrestling-style fighting anime in which the protagonist, Suguru Kinniku, battles powerful foes together with his comrades.

This song was used as the third ending theme.

Since the protagonist’s favorite food is beef bowl (gyudon), it also appears in the lyrics.

Incidentally, the national anthem of Kinnikuman’s home planet, Planet Kinniku, is titled “Gyudon Ondo.”

Great Tokyo Ondo

Great Tokyo Ondo

“Daitokyo Ondo” is Yukio Hashi’s 140th single.

It was released on May 25, 1979.

Originally planned as part of TV Tokyo’s 15th anniversary, it has become a staple tune danced at every Bon Odori festival in Tokyo.

Although it has been released by multiple labels, the Victor version by Yukio Hashi and Akiko Kanazawa was a major hit.

Learn the choreography and show it off at your next Bon Odori.

Doremin Ondo

Doremin Ondo [CD BOOK Play Songs: Jajan! (Toshihiko Shinzawa, Satoko Yamano, Asami Mori, Riiko Yamada, Shimpei Kaneko, Jumpei Chiba, Makiko Matsuiya)]

Doremin Ondo is an easy-to-enjoy festival song that we especially hope children will love—friendly and familiar like a nursery rhyme.

It’s a great pick for little ones who are experiencing ondo music for the first time.

The lyrics use the musical notes Do-Re-Mi as a motif, which fits nicely with the traditional Japanese ondo rhythm.

The chorus is arranged so everyone can sing together in a lively call-and-response style, and the relaxed tempo makes it easy to dance to.

It’s perfect for kindergarten performances and the like—a song that’s fun to sing and dance to.

Nippon Cha Cha Cha

Nippon Cha-Cha-Cha: 2021 Ariake Festival & Bon Odori (8)

Are you familiar with the bright, rhythmic, and super catchy song “Nippon Cha Cha Cha”? Sung in 2006 by three young female vocalists—Chigusa Takehana, Akiko Omodaka, and Aya Kagayama—this piece humorously portrays Japan’s history and traditions while also conveying the importance of peace.

From Perry’s arrival in 1853 to the Pacific War and the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, it looks back on Japan’s path set to a fun melody.

The song was selected as the nationwide group dance piece for 2006 and became a favorite at Bon Odori festivals across the country.

With choreography anyone—young or old, men or women—can dance, it livens up festivals and events.

How about forming a circle with family and friends on a summer night and enjoying Bon Odori to this song?

Dancing Hero

[TDC] Bubble Dance - Tomioka High School Dance Club

In 2017, “Dancing Hero” enjoyed a revival hit as the song for the “Bubble Dance” performed by the dance club of Osaka Prefectural Takaoka High School.

Originally released in 1985 as Yoko Oginome’s seventh single, it became a staple for school festivals and dance performances more than 30 years later.

What’s more, this song is even used for Bon Odori.

The anything-goes spirit is part of what makes Bon Odori so much fun, isn’t it?

Slowpoke Ondo

[Official] "Slowpoke Ondo" Music Video (Pokemon Daisuki Club)

Slowpoke, a popular character from Pokémon with a spacey, adorable vibe.

Since August 10 is Slowpoke Day, the “Slowpoke Ondo” was announced on that date in 2018.

Because “udon” and “Yadon” (Slowpoke’s Japanese name) sound similar, Kagawa Prefecture—famous as the Udon Prefecture—has frequently collaborated with Slowpoke, and the lyrics even use Kagawa dialect.

The song’s words express a desire to become like Slowpoke, living idly without doing anything.

Contrary to Slowpoke’s image of not moving at all, the music is a fast-paced, upbeat style.

Dance with full energy as if you’re dancing in Slowpoke’s place!

Teased KoiwaMomoka Kitano

Sings the kayōkyoku song “Ijirarete Koiwa” / Holds Bon Odori at 25 locations every year / Family home is on Flower Road, formerly a seed and seedling shop / Machiko Kanazawa [People of Koiwa]

Momoka Kitano’s song “Ijirarete Koiwa” brings the atmosphere of Showa-era kayōkyoku into the Reiwa era, expressing the nostalgia and warmth of Koiwa, a downtown Tokyo neighborhood.

It portrays a woman who returns to her hometown of Koiwa after a divorce, and sings of her taking a step toward a new life through reunions with old acquaintances and new encounters.

Released on April 28, 2023, the music video was filmed on location in Koiwa, overflowing with local pride.

This work lets you feel both nostalgia and a forward-looking spirit at the same time, truly embodying the charm of the town of Koiwa.

What’s more, this local song is actually used as music for Bon Odori.

If you’re going to join a festival in Koiwa, be sure to learn it!