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

Sazae-san

Sazae-san Bon Odori

On Sunday evenings, the beloved national anime Sazae-san warms hearts all across Japan.

Its opening theme is sure to be a hit with everyone from kids to the elderly.

There are probably plenty of people who can sing it without looking at the lyrics—it’s that ingrained in our culture.

Rather than dancing strictly to set choreography, it seems more fun to just move your body freely.

By the way, it’s not widely circulated, but there is a song called the “Sazae-san Ondo.”

Hawk's Claw Ondo

Hawk’s Claw Ondo (Long Version)

The bon odori song “Taka no Tsume Ondo” from the anime Eagle Talon, which is popular with both adults and children.

The Eagle Talon Organization aims for world domination, but once again fails to achieve that goal today—so the song expresses the feeling of “let’s just dance and have fun for now.” The official choreography matches the cheerful lyrics with a comical routine that even kids will find easy to dance.

Since the song carries a message of “even if you fail, try again next time,” don’t be afraid of mistakes—enjoy dancing bon odori freely to this tune.

Dokonjō Gaeru Ondo

[Official] Dokonjō Gaeru Ending Theme “Dokonjō Gaeru Ondo” “The Gutsy Frog” (1972)

Many of you may know this song as the ending theme of the anime “Dokonjo Gaeru”! The singer is Susumu Ishikawa, a friend of Kenjiro Hirose, who composed the song.

Ishikawa-san also sang “Oba-Q Ondo.” While the anime originally aired in the 1970s, it was adapted into a live-action drama in 2015 starring Kenichi Matsuyama.

As you can see in the video with the protagonist Hiroshi dancing, the choreography is simple and easy for both children and adults.

Take this opportunity to give it a try!

Ophroski's Chappong Bushi

Ophroski's Chappong Bushi

The charming lyrics are the highlight! Here are some ideas for “Ofurosuki no Chappombushi.” It’s a humorous song performed by Ofuroski, a character from the TV show “Miitsuketa!” “Ofurosuki no Chappombushi” has a rhythm and tempo that are perfect for Bon Odori.

The lyrics focus on bath time while weaving in seasonal elements, so it’s likely to become a memorable song for children even after dancing at summer festival Bon Odori.

Be sure to give it a try!

Children’s Bon Odori Song

This is the classic Bon Odori song in Hokkaido: “Kodomo Bon Odori Uta” @ Sapporo, Hokkaido

The children’s Bon Odori song “Kodomo Bon Odori Uta” was created for kids in Hokkaido.

The song was composed with the hope that children would enjoy dancing the Bon Odori, and it was released in 1952.

For children in Hokkaido, it may be a particularly familiar Bon Odori tune.

Its tempo is much more relaxed than many commonly danced Bon Odori songs, so it should be easy to dance to not only for children in Hokkaido but for kids across Japan as well.

There are sections with choreography that matches the lyrics, making it easy even for first-time dancers to learn.

If you’re in the mood to enjoy a gentle, laid-back Bon Odori, give it a try.

Zunpa Ondo

Zunpa Ondo

If you know this song, you might find yourself going “Oh!” at some Bon Odori somewhere.

The songs played during Bon dances vary by region and era, but this one, created in 1973 and still heard at Bon dances across Japan, is “Zunpa Ondo.” Naturally, the word “Zunpa” catches your attention.

If you listen closely, you’ll notice it comes from the rhythmic onomatopoeia “zunpa” in the lyrics.

With lyrics by Niji Yumeji, known for children’s songs, it’s crafted into a unique and catchy ondo.

Gudetama Ondo

Gudetama Ondo

Sanrio’s uniquely quirky character Gudetama was born in 2013—a lazy, droopy raw egg, just as the name suggests.

Every line it says is negative, and its lack of motivation is its defining trait.

This bon-odori tune captures that personality perfectly.

The choreography somehow evokes Gudetama’s vibe, and the lyrics feel slack and listless.

Bon dance music keeps evolving—why not enjoy it with this track, representing Sanrio’s modern generation?