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Japanese ondō: a seasonal tradition everyone can enjoy.

We’ve gathered classic and must-hear picks of traditional Bon-odori songs recommended by our studio staff—fun for everyone from adults to kids.

It’s a playlist sure to delight festival-loving Japanese listeners!

Japanese Ondo: seasonal traditions everyone can enjoy (61–70)

Shin-chan Ondo ~Come Dance with Me~Yuko & Shinnosuke Nohara

As everyone knows, the lyrics are all about hyping up Shinnosuke Nohara.

Shin-chan’s goofy interjections really bring out his personality.

The track is intricately crafted, blending a disco vibe reminiscent of Juliana’s Tokyo with elements of traditional ondo.

Tokyo Olympic OndoHaruo Minami

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

The lyrics were written by Takashi Miyata, the music was composed by Masao Koga, and the singer was Haruo Minami.

It was also an official song established by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), and many other versions were recorded by various singers, including Yukio Hashi, Michiya Mihashi, Kyu Sakamoto, and a duet by Saburo Kitajima and Midori Hatakeyama.

Kawachi Ondo ~ The Ten Slayings of KawachiKyoyama Fukutarō

The lyrics are somewhat unusual, but they are sung by Kiyoyama Koediwaka, who is famous as a rokyoku performer.

He is both the biological son and disciple of the first Kiyoyama Koediwaka, and he made his stage debut in 1971 under the name Kiyoyama Fukutaro.

He later succeeded to the name of the second Koediwaka in 2004.

Panpaka Pants OndoAnnosuke Yoshidate

This is an original bon dance song performed by the characters from the animated LINE sticker series “Panpaka Pants.” It’s a modern take on a traditional bon dance, with the memorable line, “Put on your underpants and let’s dance in a circle.” Choreography submissions are also being accepted in the sticker shop.

Osomatsu-kun OndoTakashi Hosokawa

Osomatsu Ondo ED Full Size Osomatsu-kun Full
Osomatsu-kun Ondo Takashi Hosokawa

It’s the theme song for the gag manga by the famed Fujio Akatsuka.

Even though the lyrics string together some rather silly lines, Takashi Hosokawa, an enka singer, delivers them in a way that turns it into a respectable piece of music.

The original lyrics have three full verses.

Great Tokyo OndoYukiko Noji

Great Tokyo Ondo / Akiko Kanazawa, Yukio Hashi, Haruo Minami, and Yukiko Noji COVER Momonoka
Great Tokyo Ondo Noji Yukiko

This bon-odori song, performed by singer Yukiko Noji from Fukui Prefecture, was produced in the past as part of a project by Tokyo Channel 12 (TV Tokyo).

It’s often mistaken for the Tokyo Ondo, but if you listen closely, you’ll notice the lyrics are completely different.

First Step OndoAKB48

[MV] First Step Ondo (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]
Ippo-me Ondo AKB48

It feels like AKB48 has finally ventured into the genre of “ondo,” huh… That’s the vibe.

It’s a song that flows with a slow, “ha—sore!” kind of groove.

With Yasushi Akimoto on lyrics, even though it’s called an ondo, the romantic storyline is depicted clearly.