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

Higashimurayama Ondo

Higashimurayama Ondo

“Higashimurayama Ondo,” which became a hot topic after comedian Ken Shimura’s arranged cover, is a song that lets you deeply savor the history of Japanese dance and song.

With choreography that forms a circle and includes clapping, it’s perfect for Bon Odori, where dancers move around a central tower (yagura).

Its nostalgic yet vibrant sound enhances the festive atmosphere.

It’s a song we hope people of all ages will dance to together with children at Bon Odori gatherings.

After enjoying games and snacks, forming a circle to dance will make the festival memories linger even more.

If you’re looking for a traditional Bon Odori song that captures the feeling of summer, be sure to check it out.

Hanagasa Ondo

A magnificent, beautiful dance: the Hanagasa Ondo.

The ‘Hanagasa Ondo’ is sung during the Hanagasa Festival, where people parade through town holding flower hats adorned with red floral decorations.

Centered around the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, it is held in various locations across Japan.

It’s a perfect song for children who look forward to Bon Odori, one of the major events of summer.

With a grand sound reminiscent of enka and kayōkyoku, it’s sure to boost the excitement of any festival.

Use it as background music to liven up the entire event, or have the children dress up in costumes and dance to create lasting memories.

Why not prepare a special stage for these adorable children to shine?

Ninnin Nintama Ondo

"Nin-nin Nintama Ondo" Choreography Tutorial Video - Aki Watanabe

This is the bon-odori song from the anime Nintama Rantarō, which depicts the school life of trainee ninjas.

It was used as the ending theme in 1996.

Maybe you’ve even tried copying the characters’ dance from the video? It’s a bon dance song that has been hugely popular with children for many years.

Fire Country Taiko

Fire Country Taiko

This well-known Bon Odori song, “Hi no Kuni Taiko,” was performed by folk singer Eiichi Kamata and released in 1972.

Fitting for a song set in Kumamoto—the Land of Fire—it even mentions Aso in its lyrics.

It’s widely loved as a Bon Odori staple, heard not only in Kumamoto but at Bon dance venues across Japan.

Awa Odori (Awa Dance Festival)

A must-see for Awa Odori fans! The Tokushima City Awa Odori Grand Dance!! The dancers’ smiles are wonderful! Awa Odori in Tokushima, Japan

When it comes to Tokushima’s Awa Odori, it can be said to be one of Japan’s most iconic festivals.

A major attraction is the vibrant festival music played on traditional instruments known as narimono, such as flutes, drums, and shamisen.

This Awa Odori music is also incorporated into many Bon Odori events.

Bon Odori is all about enjoying dancing to any kind of music, and Awa Odori’s music fits perfectly too.

Earth (Pekopon) Invasion Ondo

Earth Invasion Ondo

This is an ode featuring the star of the gag anime Sergeant Keroro, originally created by Mine Yoshizaki.

Although Sergeant Keroro and the others are supposed to be aliens who came to invade Earth, the series depicts their daily lives as they settle into Japanese life, and you can feel that laid-back atmosphere in this song as well.

The orthodox ondō rhythm also makes it perfect for festivals.

Happy Dinosaur Ondo

Dance ♥ 11 – Happy Dinosaur Ondo (Shiawase Kyouryuu Ondo)

This song, with lyrics and composition by Tsunku, was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” from June to July 2002.

It is notable for its use of shamisen and festival chants in the music.

The group dancing to this song, Odoru♥11, is a summer-only shuffle unit within Hello! Project.