Japanese ondō: a seasonal tradition everyone can enjoy.

Maru-chan’s Shizuoka OndoPierre Taki

Maruchan No Shizuoka Ondo

This is a Bon Odori song produced by an all-star team at the invitation of author Momoko Sakura.

Lyrics by Momoko Sakura, music by Haruomi Hosono, arrangement by Keigo Oyamada, vocals by Pierre Taki, and choreography by Papaya Suzuki—making it a standout track with a special feel that sets it apart from other Bon Odori songs.

Great Tokyo OndoYukio Hashi

Great Tokyo Ondo (instrumental with lyrics)

It’s often mistaken for “Tokyo Ondo,” but “Great Tokyo Ondo” is a completely different postwar song produced as a TV Tokyo project.

The phrase “People form a circle—circles bloom like flowers” is well known.

It’s a fairly easy song to sing, so you can learn it quickly.

Pokemon OndoGarura Kobayashi

Pokémon ED4 'Pokémon Ondo' by Garura Kobayashi (Sachiko Kobayashi)

Even Pokémon, now boasting worldwide popularity, actually has its own ondō (traditional festival song).

Enka singer Sachiko Kobayashi, performing as “Last Boss Garura Kobayashi,” delivers this Pokémon Ondō in a heartfelt style.

As a rhythmic, new-generation staple for Bon Odori, it’s played at Bon dance events across the country every year.

Higashimurayama OndoKen Shimura

Ken Shimura, The Drifters, Higashimurayama Ondo

The famous “Higashimurayama Ondo,” released in 1971.

Just when you think it’s going to be sung straight, at the first chome it suddenly turns into “Icchome icchome—wao!”—classic.

You can enjoy it as a showcase of the comedian’s true talent.

Hikari Citizens' Bon DanceHarumi Miyako

Hikari Citizens' Bon Dance by Harumi Miyako

This is the civic folk dance song of Hikari City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, sung by Harumi Miyako.

Since the town ceased to exist due to a merger with other municipalities, it is now rarely performed.

You can enjoy Harumi Miyako’s distinctive vocal style with its characteristic kobushi ornamentation.