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

Pokemon Ondo

[Official] “Pokémon Bon Odori Summer Festival Park Ondo ~Traditional~” Choreography Video

Move your body to the rhythm! Here are some ideas for the “Pokémon Ondo.” The anime “Pokémon” is popular with both children and adults, but did you know there’s a song called “Pokémon Ondo”? Enjoy the summer festival to the beat of drums and bells in true Bon Odori style.

Familiar melodies and choreography that incorporates Pokémon names and traits are sure to capture children’s interest! The adorable sight of kids pretending to be Pokémon will definitely be a highlight.

paprika

[Stardust Kawachi] Paprika Bon Odori Version [Original Choreography]

Since it has a fairly relaxed tempo, I think you can dance to it using basic Bon Odori moves.

The song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and performed by the music group Foorin, released in 2018.

It became a hot topic after being featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and went on to be a long-running hit.

It’s a hugely popular piece that even small children know, so it’s a can’t-miss staple I can confidently recommend.

You can use the video as a reference, or try creating original moves that incorporate its choreography.

Kuwagata Ondo

Kuwagata Ondo / Keropons & Ryuzo Fukuda

Kero-pons, famous for songs like “Ebikanix” and for concerts at kindergartens and nursery schools, and Ryuzo Fukuda created the song “Kuwagata Ondo.” This “kuwagata” of course refers to stag beetles.

It’s a fun song about stag beetles set to the rhythm of an ondo.

Traditional ondo often features work songs or themes about local culture and isn’t necessarily aimed at children, but this “Kuwagata Ondo” is a song we can wholeheartedly recommend for kids! We hope it helps children discover just how fun ondo can be.

Yosakoi Naruko Dance

Honiya (Traditional Yosakoi Naruko Dance) ~ Eejanaika Festival 2012

These days, it’s not uncommon for Bon Odori to incorporate music from festivals in various regions.

One example is the Yosakoi Festival, which has become well known as a festival from Kochi Prefecture.

The piece that is always used in Yosakoi festival music is “Yosakoi Naruko Odori,” but even if you don’t dance it exactly in the Yosakoi style, doesn’t it fit perfectly as music for Bon Odori?

Shin-chan Ondo ~Come Dance with Me~

Shin-chan ed7 Shin-chan Ondo Ver.2

From children to their parents’ generation, the anime Crayon Shin-chan enjoys nationwide popularity.

This is one of the anime’s ending themes, and it’s a fun ondō number packed with that unmistakable Crayon Shin-chan flavor.

Astonishingly, it kicks off with a samba intro! Then, when the drums go “dodon” and the shinobue flute trills “pi-hyarari,” you’re instantly transported to the sights of a Japanese summer.

With vocals by Haruo Minami, the Japanese mood is turned up even more.

Shin-chan’s interjections are wonderful, too, making it a delightful song the whole family can enjoy.

Arale-chan Ondo

Arale-chan Ondo rec Bon dance Midori/Noryo Bon Odori Festival 2023-07-15

This is a bon odori song that reflects the brightness of the anime Dr.

Slump Arale-chan.

Its tempo perfectly matches the energetic characters, and the playful sound creates a fun atmosphere.

With lots of choreography you’ll want to imitate and catchy call-and-response shouts, it makes kids eager to jump in and dance.

The structure further heightens the festive excitement, letting you fully enjoy the lively mood.

It’s easy for children unfamiliar with the original work to enjoy, and it’s a song that naturally brings smiles as you dance.

It delivers a joyful festival experience that blends the anime’s world with music.

Anpanman Ondo

Anpanman Ondo: Let’s dance together with Anpanman!!

Let’s all dance together! Here are some ideas for the “Anpanman Ondo.” Let’s dance the “Anpanman Ondo” with the beloved characters from “Go! Anpanman,” popular in the anime, movies, and picture books! The song has four verses, but the choreography stays the same, so it should be easy for children to learn, right? Moving their bodies to the rhythm can not only develop motor skills and a sense of rhythm, but also help nurture emotional expression—like “I did it!” and “I can dance for fun!”—and boost their self-esteem.