[2025] Bon Odori songs every kid knows! A roundup of fun festival tunes
Bon Odori, a quintessential summer tradition! Festival stalls sell games and delicious food, making it hugely popular with kids.
Here, we’ll introduce a variety of wonderful Bon Odori songs—from tunes children already know to unique arrangements of J-pop and Western music.
Lots of new songs are appearing, too.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure about the dance steps—what matters is having fun.
Kids and adults alike, be sure to join in Bon Odori and make some great memories!
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[2025] Bon Odori songs every kid knows! A fun festival song roundup (51–60)
Livin’ on a PrayerBon Jovi
When it comes to Bon Jovi’s signature songs, the first masterpiece that comes to mind is, of course, Livin’ on a Prayer.
It’s a massive hit featuring the characters Tommy and Gina—no introduction needed.
But did you know that this classic has recently been making waves as a bon odori dance song? A tweet about it being used at the 2018 Nakano Station Grand Bon Odori Festival went viral, Bon Jovi’s official account reacted, and it became an even bigger topic, getting featured on TV under the nickname “Bon Jovi” (a pun on bon odori + Bon Jovi).
In 2024, the phenomenon was even “reimported” to the United States at JAPAN FESTIVAL BOSTON in Boston, and it’s possible that Livin’ on a Prayer may become a standard number for bon odori from here on out!
Ottotto Ondo
“Ottotto Ondo” is a bright, rhythmic hand-play song created so children can joyfully move their bodies and sing along.
The melody is lively and easy to remember, and the lyrics repeatedly feature the phrase “ottotto,” mimicking the feeling of almost tripping, while conveying the importance of facing forward and moving on as we accept life’s ups and downs.
Released by Takashi Deguchi through Nippon Columbia in 2020, the song is used for children’s recreation in kindergartens and daycare centers.
Be sure to sing and dance together as a family and have lots of fun!
Mushroom Ondo
The commercial jingle “Kinoko no Uta,” which became a craze at the time for its cute song and characters.
This bon odori version, arranged from that tune, was created out of a wish for children to enjoy a lively, energetic summer in Nagano City, where Hokuto Co.
, Ltd.
is headquartered.
Arale-chan Ondo
Arale-chan Ondo, which was used as the summer-only ending theme for the anime Dr.
Slump: Arale-chan, is a perfect track for anyone looking for a festival song that will get kids excited.
If you dance with a smile to the beat of the taiko drums, everyone is sure to have fun.
It’s great not only for dancing scenes but also as background music to liven up games and recreational activities! Aside from Arale-chan’s signature “Kiin!” move, it could be fun to let the kids dance freely.
Even just singing the chorus together creates a strong sense of unity.
[2025] Bon Odori songs every child knows! A fun roundup of festival tunes (61–70)
Home Run Ondo
Summer is all about high school baseball, isn’t it? After watching those heated games, the bon odori I’d love for you to try is the “Home Run Ondo.” It’s a bon dance song for children and is actually used at many bon dance venues.
As the title suggests, the lyrics are all about baseball—depicting the scene of aiming for a home run and clinching victory.
If your child plays baseball, it’s great to dance while thinking, “I’m definitely going to hit a home run in the next game!” The tempo is on the relaxed side, and the lyrics are catchy enough to make you want to sing along, so it’s a lot of fun to dance to!
Ecchu Owara Bushi
The Bon Odori festival “Owara Kaze no Bon” is held in the Yatsuo district of Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture.
This historic festival, selected as one of the “Top 100 Cultural Properties of Toyama,” takes place every year from September 1 to 3.
Dancers perform to the Echu Owara-bushi folk song, with choreography divided into women’s and men’s styles.
Divided into eleven neighborhoods, men and women dance with their faces hidden by sedge hats to the folk tune “Echu Owara-bushi,” drawing a total of around 250,000 spectators who come to watch.
Tapu Tapu Ondo
The “Tapu-Tapu Ondo” is offered as a gift so children can enjoy dancing to it at kindergartens and day-care centers.
It’s perfect for activities at educational facilities and for events like summer festivals and Bon Odori.
“Tapu-Tapu,” who lives in the land of pandas, is a character filled with love and courage who never gives up no matter what difficulties they face.
Knowing this character image can be educationally beneficial when talking with children or dancing together.