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

Tokyo Olympic Ondo

How to Dance the Tokyo Gorin Ondo 2020 – Let's Dance Comfortably / How to dance TOKYO GORIN ONDO 2020 (basic tempo)

This is the theme song of the Tokyo Olympics held in 1964.

Because it was themed around Japan’s first time hosting the Olympics, it became a nationwide hit at the time.

In recent years, it was remade in 2017 as “Tokyo Gorin Ondo -2020-” to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics held in 2020.

Ondo Dango Three Brothers

Dango 3 Brothers Ondo

Bon Odori version! Here’s an idea for “Ondo Dango 3 Kyodai.” It’s an arranged version of “Dango 3 Kyodai,” which has been loved by children since its 1999 release.

Keeping the same catchy lyrics and rhythm that stick in your head after just one listen, this version incorporates call-and-response shouts and taiko drums to create a Bon Odori arrangement! With its irresistibly singable, fun atmosphere, children will naturally join the circle and enjoy dancing.

It could also be fun to design choreography inspired by dango.

Matsuken Samba II

PV Ken Matsudaira - Matsuken Samba II

It was created in 1994 and was performed as part of a musical show.

After a special program on the Jidaigeki Specialty Channel, a CS broadcaster, showcased the stage performance in 2003, it generated major buzz.

In 2004, an album compiling the “Matsuken Samba” was released, drew further attention, and sparked a massive boom.

Norimaki Pera Pari Ondo

[Norimaki Pera Pali Ondo ◆ Live-Action Dance Ver. / Okaasan to Issho July 2022 Monthly Song] NHK E-Tele

The song “Norimaki Perapari Ondo,” which kids love, is a perfect summer tune and comes highly recommended for festival bon dances.

The catchy “perapari perapari” lyrics have a lively tempo that gives the intro a sense that something fun is about to begin.

The dance is simple and easy to learn, so children around age three can enjoy dancing to it as well.

It’s perfect for the summer festival season, too.

Dressing in yukata or jinbei to enjoy the festivities is a great idea.

Be sure to sing it and make it part of your summer memories.

Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner's Song)

Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner's Song)

Originally known for being sung by coal miners in Fukuoka Prefecture, this is a quintessential Bon Odori song.

When the record was released, it sparked a boom and spread rapidly nationwide.

For Japanese people, it may be the most familiar ondo of all.

Pretty Cure Ondo ~Smile Wink~

Precure Ondo ~Smile Wink~

Precure Ondo is something that could be used for gymnastics time or as a play activity in kindergartens and nursery schools.

The choreography includes poses that girls will want to imitate, so everyone can sing and dance cheerfully and have fun.

It’s so popular that some kids are especially good at it at summer festivals and Bon dances.

The choreography is a combination of simple moves, so it’s easy for anyone to learn, and with a bit of practice you’ll be able to enjoy dancing it right away.

Doraemon Ondo

Lecture on how to dance Bon Odori! The original Doraemon!! 'Doraemon Ondo'

Let’s enjoy Bon Odori! Here are some ideas for the Doraemon Ondo.

From kids to adults, try dancing the Doraemon Ondo together with Doraemon, beloved from anime and films.

Doraemon’s signature hand shape is also a key point in the choreography! The video even includes choreography for those who want to participate while seated, so be sure to check it out.

The moves are easy to dance in a yukata, too! Make summer memories with the Doraemon Ondo!