Japanese ondō: a seasonal tradition everyone can enjoy.

Fireworks OndoYukio Hashi

Yukio Hashi – Fireworks Ondo

Lyrics were written by Toyohisa Araki, and the composition was done by Yukio Hashi himself.

Following the much-discussed “Bon Dance,” it is becoming established as a new standard song for Bon Odori.

In addition, the choreography for this ondo can be downloaded as a PDF from Yukio Hashi’s official website.

Kawachi OndoKawauchike Kikusui-maru

Kawachi Ondo, Kiku-Sumimaru of the Kawachi Family 3-1

Kawachi Ondo is a traditional folksong style originating from the Kita-Nakakawachi area in Osaka Prefecture.

As you’d expect from Osaka, it has quite an upbeat, lively tempo.

You often see it performed by Kikusui-maru of the Kawachi family in particular.

When it comes to Kawachi Ondo, it’s Kikusui-maru—rock-solid vocals.

GeGeGe no Kitaro Nainai OndoKazuo Kumakura, Hibari Children's Choir

Nainai Ondo (GeGeGe no Kitaro)

The lyrics were written by the late Shigeru Mizuki, creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro, and the music was composed by Taku Izumi.

It was released by King Records in 1968.

A distinctive feature is the light, lilting way it sings about what Kitaro, Medama-oyaji, and Nezumi Otoko don’t have, with a playful “nai nai” refrain.

Dokonjō Gaeru OndoSusumu Ishikawa, Arakawa Children’s Choir

Gutsy Frog Ondo

This is the bon-odori-style song from the popular comic The Gutsy Frog (Dokonjō Gaeru), which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in the 1970s.

The vocals are performed by Susumu Ishikawa and the Arakawa Boys and Girls Choir.

In addition, Sachiko Chijimatsu, the voice actor for Pyonkichi, also participates as the MC.

Gamagori OndoAkasaka Koume, Tsuruta Rokurou

Gamagori Ondo

In 1933, the Gamagori Scenic Preservation Society (the predecessor of today’s Gamagori City Tourism Association) took the lead in producing a record.

It was released by Victor Records in December 1934, and a reissue came out in 1990.

This is a local Ondo folk song from Gamagori, a city in the Higashi-Mikawa region in the southeastern part of Aichi Prefecture.

Akita OndoManami Takahashi

Akita Ondo

Akita Ondo is a folk song from Akita Prefecture.

It is said to have taken shape in 1663 when it was performed before Satake Yoshitaka, the lord of the Kubota Domain.

In earlier times it was simply called “Ondo,” and it is said to have been given the name “Akita Ondo” around the beginning of the Meiji period.

Aside from the opening call, it has little melody; instead, much like rap, the lyrics are delivered to a rhythm based on a 7-7-9 pattern.

Chibi Maruko OndoManaKana

ManaKana “Chibi Maruko Ondo” (1998)

It was also used as the ending theme for the anime Chibi Maruko-chan, and it follows a cute ondo style.

It doesn’t feel too much like a traditional ondo, and the soothing lyrics make it enjoyable.

ManaKana’s nostalgic singing is also a must-hear.